Like Hong Kong in general, the site is most rewarding between September and May. For visitors arriving on foot, the period from October to early April would be more comfortable. Mornings are cooler and birds more active.
Because of the time needed to access the site, a visit of 2 to 4 hours is recommended.
If beginning the walk at Fung Yuen, it is worth exploring the woodland and cultivated land around the Butterfly Reserve. Shrikes, thrushes (in some winters), flycatchers such as Verditer Flycatcher and occasionally Forest Wagtail can occur here. Crested Serpent Eagles can often be heard and/or seen around the reserve, and Chinese Hwamei occurs along the path from here to Sha Lo Tung.
If arriving by car, at least one rewarding area should be checked before reaching the parking area. This is where an open valley appears on the left which often has buntings and chats in winter, sometimes including Gray Bushchat (see "Watchpoint for buntings, chats etc" on the map).
Beyond the toilet block and parking area, the track passes through woodland and scrub. Gray Treepie, resident minivets and wintering warblers may be seen in the woodland beside the track.
On reaching the ruined village of Cheung Uk, turn right onto a narrow path which leads around the valley. In winter there is a pond here. The abandoned cultivated areas have turned into scrub which is ideal for shrikes, chats and prinias. Long-tailed Shrike is resident, Brown Shrike passese through on migration and Bull-headed Shrike sometimes occurs here in winter. Sooty-headed Bulbul and Amur Stonechat are common, while Gray Bushchat and Siberian Rubythroat are possible. Crested Goshawk, Besra and Crested Serpent Eagle might be seen overhead. Great Barbets can be heard calling in spring, sometimes from prominent perches.
After crossing the valley, the path enters woodland. Several paths are available:
1. Follow the trail to or towards Hok Tau Reservoir. One can then retrace one's steps or return via the Hok Tau Family Walk (a loop taking about an hour). Scarlet-backed and Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers occur along this path.
2. Follow the path towards Ping Shan Chai and return when one has seen enough.
3. Combine options 1 and 2 into a circuit: Cheung Uk - Ping Shan Chai - Hok Tau Reservoir - Cheung Uk, or vice versa (this will take at least an hour).
For fit visitors with plenty of time and energy, from either Ping Shan Chai or Hok Tau Reservoir it is possible to reach the high ridges of Pat Sin Leng and eventually the summits of Ping Fung Shan and Wong Leng. These ridges harbour additional mountain species such as Upland Pipit and Chinese Grassbird. Such a hike is not to be undertaken lightly, however (see 'security' below).
Like Hong Kong in general, the site is most rewarding between September and May. For visitors arriving on foot, the period from October to early April would be more comfortable. Mornings are cooler and birds more active.
Because of the time needed to access the site, a visit of 2 to 4 hours is recommended.
If beginning the walk at Fung Yuen, it is worth exploring the woodland and cultivated land around the Butterfly Reserve. Shrikes, thrushes (in some winters), flycatchers such as Verditer Flycatcher and occasionally Forest Wagtail can occur here. Crested Serpent Eagles can often be heard and/or seen around the reserve, and Chinese Hwamei occurs on along the path from here to Sha Lo Tung.
If arriving by car, at least one rewarding area should be checked before reaching the parking area. This is where an open valley appears on the left which often has buntings and chats in winter, sometimes including Gray Bushchat (see "Watchpoint for buntings, chats etc" on the map).
Beyond the toilet block and parking area, the track passes through woodland and scrub. Gray Treepie, resident minivets and wintering warblers may be seen in the woodland beside the track.
On reaching the ruined village of Cheung Uk, turn right onto a narrow path which leads around the valley. In winter there is a pond here. The abandoned cultivated areas have turned into scrub which is ideal for shrikes, chats and prinias. Long-tailed Shrike is resident, Brown Shrike passese through on migration and Bull-headed Shrike sometimes occurs here in winter. Sooty-headed Bulbul and Amur Stonechat are common, while Gray Bushchat and Siberian Rubythroat are possible. Crested Goshawk, Besra and Crested Serpent Eagle might be seen overhead. Great Barbets can be heard calling in spring, sometimes from prominent perches.
After crossing the valley, the path enters woodland. Several paths are available:
1. Follow the trail to or towards Hok Tau Reservoir. One can then retrace one's steps or return via the Hok Tau Family Walk (a loop taking about an hour). Scarlet-backed and Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers occur along this path.
2. Follow the path towards Ping Shan Chai and return when one has seen enough.
3. Combine options 1 and 2 into a circuit: Cheung Uk - Ping Shan Chai - Hok Tau Reservoir - Cheung Uk, or vice versa (this will take at least an hour).
For fit visitors with plenty of time and energy, from either Ping Shan Chai or Hok Tau Reservoir it is possible to reach the high ridges of Pat Sin Leng and eventually the summits of Ping Fung Shan and Wong Leng. These ridges harbour additional mountain species such as Upland Pipit and Chinese Grassbird. Such a hike is not to be undertaken lightly, however (see 'security' below).
Like Hong Kong in general, the site is most rewarding between September and May. For visitors arriving on foot, the period from October to early April would be more comfortable. Mornings are cooler and birds more active.
Because of the time needed to access the site, a visit of 2 to 4 hours is recommended.
If beginning the walk at Fung Yuen, it is worth exploring the woodland and cultivated land around the Butterfly Reserve. Shrikes, thrushes (in some winters), flycatchers such as Verditer Flycatcher and occasionally Forest Wagtail can occur here. Crested Serpent Eagles can often be heard and/or seen around the reserve, and Chinese Hwamei occurs on the path from here to Sha Lo Tung.
If arriving by car, at least one rewarding area should be checked before reaching the parking area. This is where an open valley appears on the left which often has buntings and chats in winter, sometimes including Gray Bushchat (see "Watchpoint for buntings, chats etc" on the map).
Beyond the toilet block and parking area, the track passes through woodland and scrub. Gray Treepie, resident minivets and wintering warblers may be seen in the woodland beside the track.
On reaching the ruined village of Cheung Uk, turn right onto a narrow path which leads around the valley. In winter there is a pond here. The abandoned cultivated areas have turned into scrub which is ideal for shrikes, chats and prinias. In addition to the resident Long-tailed Long-tailed Shrike and is resident, Brown Shrikes which occur Shrike passese through on passage, migration and Bull-headed Shrike sometimes occurs here in winter. Sooty-headed Bulbul and Amur Stonechat are common, while Gray Bushchat and Siberian Rubythroat are possible. Crested Goshawk, Besra and Crested Serpent Eagle might be seen overhead. Great Barbets can be heard calling in spring, sometimes from prominent perches.
After crossing the valley, the path enters woodland. Several paths are available:
1. Follow the trail to or towards Hok Tau Reservoir. One can then retrace one's steps or return via the Hok Tau Family Walk (a loop taking about an hour). Scarlet-backed and Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers occur along this path.
2. Follow the path towards Ping Shan Chai and return when one has seen enough.
3. Combine options 1 and 2 into a circuit: Cheung Uk - Ping Shan Chai - Hok Tau Reservoir - Cheung Uk, or vice versa (this will take at least an hour).
For fit visitors with plenty of time and energy, from either Ping Shan Chai or Hok Tau Reservoir it is possible to reach the high ridges of Pat Sin Leng and eventually the summits of Ping Fung Shan and Wong Leng. These ridges harbour additional mountain species such as Upland Pipit and Chinese Grassbird. Such a hike is not to be undertaken lightly, however (see 'security' below).
Like Hong Kong in general, the site is most rewarding between September and May. For visitors arriving on foot, the period from October to early April would be more comfortable. Mornings are cooler and birds more active.
Because of the time needed to access the site, a visit of 2 to 4 hours is recommended.
If beginning the walk at Fung Yuen, it is worth exploring the woodland and cultivated land around the Butterfly Reserve. Shrikes, thrushes (in some winters), flycatchers such as Verditer Flycatcher and occasionally Forest Wagtail can occur here. Crested Serpent Eagles can often be heard and/or seen around the reserve, and Chinese Hwamei occurs on the path from here to Sha Lo Tung.
If arriving by car, at least one rewarding area should be checked before reaching the parking area. This is where an open valley appears on the left which often has buntings and chats in winter, sometimes including Gray Bushchat (see "Watchpoint for buntings, chats etc" on the map).
Beyond the toilet block and parking area, the track passes through woodland and scrub. Gray Treepie, resident minivets and wintering warblers may be seen in the woodland beside the track.
On reaching the ruined village of Cheung Uk, turn right onto a narrow path which leads around the valley. In winter there is a pond here. The abandoned cultivated areas have turned into scrub which is ideal for shrikes, chats and prinias. In addition to the resident Long-tailed Shrike and Brown Shrikes which occur on passage, Bull-headed Shrike sometimes occurs here in winter. Sooty-headed Bulbul and Amur Stonechat are common, while Gray Bushchat and Siberian Rubythroat are possible. Crested Goshawk, Besra and Crested Serpent Eagle might be seen overhead. Great Barbets can be heard calling in spring.
spring, sometimes from prominent perches.
After crossing the valley, the path enters woodland. Several paths are available:
1. Follow the trail to or towards Hok Tau Reservoir. One can then retrace one's steps or return via the Hok Tau Family Walk (a loop taking about an hour). Scarlet-backed and Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers occur along this path.
2. Follow the path towards Ping Shan Chai and return when one has seen enough.
3. Combine options 1 and 2 into a circuit: Cheung Uk - Ping Shan Chai - Hok Tau Reservoir - Cheung Uk, or vice versa (this will take at least an hour).
For fit visitors with plenty of time and energy, from either Ping Shan Chai or Hok Tau Reservoir it is possible to reach the high ridges of Pat Sin Leng and eventually the summits of Ping Fung Shan and Wong Leng. These ridges harbour additional mountain species such as Upland Pipit and Chinese Grassbird. Such a hike is not to be undertaken lightly, however (see 'security' below).
Like Hong Kong in general, the site is most rewarding between September and May. For visitors arriving on foot, the period from October to early April would be more comfortable. Mornings are cooler and birds more active.
Because of the time needed to access the site, a visit of 2 to 4 hours is recommended.
If beginning the walk at Fung Yuen, it is worth exploring the woodland and cultivated land around the Butterfly Reserve. Shrikes, thrushes (in some winters), flycatchers such as Verditer Flycatcher and occasionally Forest Wagtail can occur here. Crested Serpent Eagles can often be heard and/or seen around the reserve, and Chinese Hwamei occurs on the path from here to Sha Lo Tung.
If arriving by car, at least one rewarding area should be checked before reaching the parking area. This is where an open valley appears on the left which often has buntings and chats in winter, sometimes including Gray Bushchat (see "Watchpoint for buntings, chats etc" on the map).
Beyond the toilet block and parking area, the track passes through woodland and scrub. Gray Treepie, resident minivets and wintering warblers may be seen in the woodland beside the track.
On reaching the ruined village of Cheung Uk, turn right onto a narrow path which leads around the valley. In winter there is a pond here. The abandoned cultivated areas have turned into scrub which is ideal for shrikes, chats and prinias. In addition to the resident Long-tailed Shrike and Brown Shrikes which occur on passage, Bull-headed Shrike sometimes occurs here in winter. Sooty-headed Bulbul and Amur Stonechat are common, while Gray Bushchat and Siberian Rubythroat are possible. Crested Goshawk, Besra and Crested Serpent Eagle might be seen overhead.
overhead. Great Barbets can be heard calling in spring.
After crossing the valley, the path enters woodland. Several paths are available:
1. Follow the trail to or towards Hok Tau Reservoir. One can then retrace one's steps or return via the Hok Tau Family Walk (a loop taking about an hour). Scarlet-backed and Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers occur along this path.
2. Follow the path towards Ping Shan Chai and return when one has seen enough.
3. Combine options 1 and 2 into a circuit: Cheung Uk - Ping Shan Chai - Hok Tau Reservoir - Cheung Uk, or vice versa (this will take at least an hour).
For fit visitors with plenty of time and energy, from either Ping Shan Chai or Hok Tau Reservoir it is possible to reach the high ridges of Pat Sin Leng and eventually the summits of Ping Fung Shan and Wong Leng. These ridges harbour additional mountain species such as Upland Pipit and Chinese Grassbird. Such a hike is not to be undertaken lightly, however (see 'security' below).
Like Hong Kong in general, the site is most rewarding between September and May. For visitors arriving on foot, the period from October to early April would be more comfortable. Mornings are cooler and birds more active.
Because of the time needed to access the site, a visit of 2 to 4 hours is recommended.
If beginning the walk at Fung Yuen, it is worth exploring the woodland and cultivated land around the Butterfly Reserve. Shrikes, thrushes (in some winters), flycatchers such as Verditer Flycatcher and occasionally Forest Wagtail can occur here. Crested Serpent Eagles can often be heard or and/or seen around the reserve, and Chinese Hwamei occurs on the path from here to Sha Lo Tung.
If arriving by car, at least one rewarding area should be checked before reaching the parking area. This is where an open valley appears on the left which often has buntings and chats in winter, sometimes including Gray Bushchat (see "Watchpoint for buntings, chats etc" on the map).
Beyond the toilet block and parking area, the track passes through woodland and scrub. Gray Treepie, resident minivets and wintering warblers may be seen in the woodland beside the track.
On reaching the ruined village of Cheung Uk, turn right onto a narrow path which leads around the valley. In winter there is a pond here. The abandoned cultivated areas have turned into scrub which is ideal for shrikes, chats and prinias. In addition to the resident Long-tailed Shrike and Brown Shrikes which occur on passage, Bull-headed Shrike sometimes occurs here in winter. Sooty-headed Bulbul and Amur Stonechat are common, while Gray Bushchat and Siberian Rubythroat are possible. Crested Goshawk, Besra and Crested Serpent Eagle might be seen overhead.
After crossing the valley, the path enters woodland. Several paths are available:
1. Follow the trail to or towards Hok Tau Reservoir. One can then retrace one's steps or return via the Hok Tau Family Walk (a loop taking about an hour). Scarlet-backed and Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers occur along this path.
2. Follow the path towards Ping Shan Chai and return when one has seen enough.
3. Combine options 1 and 2 into a circuit: Cheung Uk - Ping Shan Chai - Hok Tau Reservoir - Cheung Uk, or vice versa (this will take at least an hour).
For fit visitors with plenty of time and energy, from either Ping Shan Chai or Hok Tau Reservoir it is possible to reach the high ridges of Pat Sin Leng and eventually the summits of Ping Fung Shan and Wong Leng. These ridges harbour additional mountain species such as Upland Pipit and Chinese Grassbird. Such a hike is not to be undertaken lightly, however (see 'security' below).
Like Hong Kong in general, the site is most rewarding between September and May. For visitors arriving on foot, the period from October to early April would be more comfortable. Mornings are cooler and birds more active.
Because of the time needed to access the site, a visit of 2 to 4 hours is recommended.
If beginning the walk at Fung Yuen, it is worth exploring the woodland and cultivated land around the Butterfly Reserve. Shrikes, thrushes (in some winters), flycatchers such as Verditer Flycatcher and occasionally Forest Wagtail can occur here. Crested Serpent Eagles can often be heard or seen around the reserve, and Chinese Hwamei occurs on the path from here to Sha Lo Tung.
If arriving by car, at least one rewarding area should be checked before reaching the parking area. This is where an open valley appears on the left which often has buntings and chats in winter, sometimes including Gray Bushchat (see "Watchpoint for buntings, chats etc" on the map).
Beyond the toilet block and parking area, the track passes through woodland and scrub. Gray Treepie, resident minivets and wintering warblers may be seen in the woodland beside the track.
On reaching the ruined village of Cheung Uk, turn right onto a narrow path which leads around the valley. In winter there is a pond here. The abandoned cultivated areas have turned into scrub which is ideal for shrikes, chats and prinias. In addition to the resident Long-tailed Shrike and Brown Shrikes which occur on passage, Bull-headed Shrike sometimes occurs here in winter. Sooty-headed Bulbul and Amur Stonechat are common, while Gray Bushchat and Siberian Rubythroat are possible. Crested Goshawk and Goshawk, Besra and Crested Serpent Eagle might be seen overhead.
After crossing the valley, the path enters woodland. Several paths are available:
1. Follow the trail to or towards Hok Tau Reservoir. One can then retrace one's steps or return via the Hok Tau Family Walk (a loop taking about an hour). Scarlet-backed and Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers occur along this path.
2. Follow the path towards Ping Shan Chai and return when one has seen enough.
3. Combine options 1 and 2 into a circuit: Cheung Uk - Ping Shan Chai - Hok Tau Reservoir - Cheung Uk, or vice versa (this will take at least an hour).
For fit visitors with plenty of time and energy, from either Ping Shan Chai or Hok Tau Reservoir it is possible to reach the high ridges of Pat Sin Leng and eventually the summits of Ping Fung Shan and Wong Leng. These ridges harbour additional mountain species such as Upland Pipit and Chinese Grassbird. Such a hike is not to be undertaken lightly, however (see 'security' below).
Like Hong Kong in general, the site is most rewarding between September and May. For visitors arriving on foot, the period from October to early April would be more comfortable. Mornings are cooler and birds more active.
Because of the time needed to access the site, a visit of 2 to 4 hours is recommended.
If beginning the walk at Fung Yuen, it is worth exploring the woodland and cultivated land around the Butterfly Reserve. Shrikes, thrushes (in some winters), flycatchers such as Verditer Flycatcher and occasionally Forest Wagtail can occur here. Crested Serpent Eagles can often be heard or seen around the reserve, and Chinese Hwamei occurs on the path from here to Sha Lo Tung.
If arriving by car, at least one rewarding area should be checked before reaching the parking area. This is where an open valley appears on the left which often has buntings and chats in winter, sometimes including Gray Bushchat (see "Watchpoint for buntings, chats etc" on the map).
Beyond the toilet block and parking area, the track passes through woodland and scrub. Gray Treepie, resident minivets and wintering warblers may be seen in the woodland beside the track.
On reaching the ruined village of Cheung Uk, turn right onto a narrow path which leads around the valley. In winter there is a pond here. The abandoned cultivated areas have turned into scrub which is ideal for shrikes, chats and prinias. In addition to the common Long-tailed resident Long-tailed Shrike and Brown Shrikes which occur on passage, Bull-headed Shrike sometimes occurs here in winter. Sooty-headed Bulbul and Amur Stonechat are common, while Gray Bushchat and Siberian Rubythroat are possible.
Crested Goshawk and Besra might be seen overhead.
After crossing the valley, the path enters woodland. Several paths are available:
1. Follow the trail to or towards Hok Tau Reservoir. One can then retrace one's steps or return via the Hok Tau Family Walk (a loop taking about an hour). Scarlet-backed and Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers occur along this path.
2. Follow the path towards Ping Shan Chai and return when one has seen enough.
3. Combine options 1 and 2 into a circuit: Cheung Uk - Ping Shan Chai - Hok Tau Reservoir - Cheung Uk, or vice versa (this will take at least an hour).
For fit visitors with plenty of time and energy, from either Ping Shan Chai or Hok Tau Reservoir it is possible to reach the high ridges of Pat Sin Leng and eventually the summits of Ping Fung Shan and Wong Leng. These ridges have additional harbour additional mountain species such as Upland Pipit and Chinese Grassbird. Such a hike is not to be undertaken lightly, however (see 'security' below).
Like Hong Kong in general, the site is most rewarding between September and May. For visitors arriving on foot, the period from October to early April would be more comfortable. Mornings are cooler and birds more active.
Because of the time needed to access the site, a visit of 2 to 4 hours is recommended.
If beginning the walk at Fung Yuen, it is worth exploring the woodland and cultivated land around the Butterfly Reserve. Shrikes, thrushes (in some winters), flycatchers such as Verditer Flycatcher and occasionally Forest Wagtail can occur here. Crested Serpent Eagles can often be heard or seen around the reserve, and Chinese Hwamei occurs on the path from here to Sha Lo Tung.
If arriving by car, at least one rewarding area should be checked before reaching the parking area. This is where an open valley appears on the left which often has buntings and chats in winter, sometimes including Gray Bushchat (see "Watchpoint for buntings, chats etc" on the map).
Beyond the toilet block and parking area, the track passes through woodland and scrub. Gray Treepie, resident minivets and wintering warblers may be seen in the woodland beside the track.
On reaching the ruined village of Cheung Uk, turn right onto a narrow path which leads around the valley. In winter there is a pond here. The abandoned cultivated areas have turned into scrub which is ideal for shrikes, chats and prinias. In addition to the common Long-tailed Shrike and Brown Shrikes which occur on passage, Bull-headed Shrike sometimes occurs here in winter. Amur Sooty-headed Bulbul and Amur Stonechat is common, are common, while Gray Bushchat and Siberian Rubythroat are possible.
After crossing the valley, the path enters woodland. Several paths are available:
1. Follow the trail to or towards Hok Tau Reservoir. One can then retrace one's steps or return via the Hok Tau Family Walk (a loop taking about an hour). Scarlet-backed and Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers occur along this path.
2. Follow the path towards Ping Shan Chai and return when one has seen enough.
3. Combine options 1 and 2 into a circuit: Cheung Uk - Ping Shan Chai - Hok Tau Reservoir - Cheung Uk, or vice versa (this will take at least an hour).
For fit visitors with plenty of time and energy, from either Ping Shan Chai or Hok Tau Reservoir it is possible to reach the high ridges of Pat Sin Leng and eventually the summits of Ping Fung Shan and Wong Leng. These ridges have additional mountain species such as Upland Pipit and Chinese Grassbird. Such a hike is not to be undertaken lightly, however (see 'security' below).
Like Hong Kong in general, the site is most rewarding between September and May. For visitors arriving on foot, the period from October to early April would be more comfortable. Mornings are cooler and birds more active.
Because of the time needed to access the site, a visit of 2 to 4 hours is recommended.
If beginning the walk at Fung Yuen, it is worth exploring the woodland and cultivated land around the Butterfly Reserve. Shrikes, thrushes (in some winters), flycatchers such as Verditer Flycatcher and occasionally Forest Wagtail can occur here. Crested Serpent Eagles can often be heard or seen around the reserve, and Chinese Hwamei occurs on the path from here to Sha Lo Tung.
If arriving by car, at least one rewarding area should be checked before reaching the parking area. This is where an open valley appears on the left which often has buntings and chats in winter, sometimes including Gray Bushchat (see "Watchpoint for buntings, chats etc" on the map).
Beyond the toilet block and parking area, the track passes through woodland and scrub. Gray Treepie, resident minivets and wintering warblers may be seen in the woodland beside the track.
On reaching the ruined village of Cheung Uk, turn right onto a narrow path which leads around the valley. In winter there is a pond here. The abandoned cultivated areas have turned into scrub which is ideal for shrikes, chats and prinias. In addition to the common Long-tailed Shrike and Brown Shrikes which occur on passage, Bull-headed Shrike sometimes occurs here in winter. Amur Stonechat is common, while Gray Bushchat and Siberian Rubythroat are possible.
After crossing the valley, the path enters woodland. Several paths are available:
1. Follow the trail to or towards Hok Tau Reservoir. One can then retrace one's steps or return via the Hok Tau Family Walk (a loop taking about an hour). Scarlet-backed and Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers occur along this path.
2. Follow the path towards Ping Shan Chai and return when one has seen enough.
3. Combine options 1 and 2 into a circuit: Cheung Uk - Ping Shan Chai - Hok Tau Reservoir - Cheung Uk, or vice versa (this will take at least an hour).
For fit visitors with plenty of time and energy, from either Ping Shan Chai or Hok Tau Reservoir it is possible to reach the high ridges of Pat Sin Leng towards Ping and eventually the summits of Ping Fung Shan and Wong Leng. These ridges These ridges have additional mountain species such as Upland Pipit and Chinese Grassbird. Such a hike is not to be undertaken lightly, however (see 'security' below).
Like Hong Kong in general, the site is most rewarding between September and May. For visitors arriving on foot, the period from October to early April would be more comfortable. Mornings are cooler and birds more active.
Because of the time needed to access the site, a visit of 2 to 4 hours is recommended.
If beginning the walk at Fung Yuen, it is worth exploring the woodland and cultivated land around the Butterfly Reserve. Shrikes, thrushes (in some winters), flycatchers such as Verditer Flycatcher and occasionally Forest Wagtail can occur here. Crested Serpent Eagles can often be heard or seen around the reserve, and Chinese Hwamei occurs on the path from here to Sha Lo Tung.
If arriving by car, at least one rewarding area should be checked before reaching the parking area. This is where an open valley appears on the left which often has buntings and chats in winter, sometimes including Gray Bushchat (see "Watchpoint for buntings, chats etc" on the map).
After Beyond the toilet block and parking area, the track passes through woodland and scrub. Gray Treepie may be seen here. Resident Treepie, resident minivets and wintering warblers should be may be seen in the woodland beside the track.
On reaching the ruined village of Cheung Uk, turn right onto a narrow path which leads around the valley. In winter there is a pond here. The abandoned cultivated areas have turned into scrub which is ideal for shrikes, chats and prinias. In addition to the common Long-tailed Shrike and Brown Shrikes which occur on passage, Bull-headed Shrike sometimes occurs here in winter. Amur Stonechat is common and Gray common, while Gray Bushchat and Siberian Rubythroat are possible.
After crossing the valley, the path enters woodland. Several paths are available:
1. Follow the trail to or towards Hok Tau Reservoir. One can then retrace one's steps or return via the Hok Tau Family Walk (a loop taking about an hour). Scarlet-backed and Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers occur along this path.
2. Follow the path towards Ping Shan Chai and return when one has seen enough.
3. Combine options 1 and 2 into a circuit: Cheung Uk - Ping Shan Chai - Hok Tau Reservoir - Cheung Uk, or vice versa (this will take at least an hour).
For fit visitors with plenty of time and energy, from either Ping Shan Chai or Hok Tau Reservoir it is possible to reach the high ridges of Pat Sin Leng towards Ping Fung Shan and Wong Leng. These ridges have mountain species such as Upland Pipit and Chinese Grassbird. Such a hike is not to be undertaken lightly, however (see 'security' below).
Like Hong Kong in general, the site is most rewarding between September and May. For visitors arriving on foot, the period from October to early April would be more comfortable. Mornings are cooler and birds more active.
Because of the time needed to access the site, a visit of 2 to 4 hours is recommended.
If beginning the walk at Fung Yuen, it is worth exploring the woodland and cultivated land around the Butterfly Reserve. Shrikes, thrushes (in some winters), flycatchers such as Verditer Flycatcher and occasionally Forest Wagtail can occur here.
here. Crested Serpent Eagles can often be heard or seen around the reserve, and Chinese Hwamei occurs on the path from here to Sha Lo Tung.
If arriving by car, at least one rewarding area should be checked before reaching the parking area. This is where an open valley appears on the left which often has buntings and chats in winter, sometimes including Gray Bushchat (see "Watchpoint for buntings, chats etc" on the map).
After the toilet block and parking area, the track passes through woodland and scrub. Gray Treepie may be seen here. Resident minivets and wintering warblers should be seen in the woodland beside the track.
On reaching the ruined village of Cheung Uk, turn right onto a narrow path which leads around the valley. In winter there is a pond here. The abandoned cultivated areas have turned into scrub which is ideal for shrikes, chats and prinias. In addition to the common Long-tailed Shrike and Brown Shrikes which occur on passage, Bull-headed Shrike sometimes occurs here in winter. Amur Stonechat is common and Gray Bushchat possible.
After crossing the valley, the path enters woodland. Several paths are available:
1. Follow the trail to or towards Hok Tau Reservoir. One can then retrace one's steps or return via the Hok Tau Family Walk (a loop taking about an hour). Scarlet-backed and Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers occur along this path.
2. Follow the path towards Ping Shan Chai and return when one has seen enough.
3. Combine options 1 and 2 into a circuit: Cheung Uk - Ping Shan Chai - Hok Tau Reservoir - Cheung Uk, or vice versa (this will take at least an hour).
For fit visitors with plenty of time and energy, from either Ping Shan Chai or Hok Tau Reservoir it is possible to reach the high ridges of Pat Sin Leng towards Ping Fung Shan and Wong Leng. These ridges have mountain species such as Upland Pipit and Chinese Grassbird. Such a hike is not to be undertaken lightly, however (see 'security' below).
Like Hong Kong in general, the site is most rewarding between September and May. For visitors arriving on foot, the period from October to early April would be more comfortable. Mornings are cooler and birds more active.
Because of the time needed to access the site, a visit of 2 to 4 hours is recommended.
If beginning the walk at Fung Yuen, it is worth exploring the woodland and cultivated land around the Butterfly Reserve. Shrikes, thrushes (in some winters), flycatchers such as Verditer Flycatcher and occasionally Forest Wagtail can occur here.
If arriving by car, at least one rewarding area should be checked before reaching the parking area. This is where an open valley appears on the left which often has buntings and chats in winter, sometimes including Gray Bushchat (see "Watchpoint for buntings, chats etc" on the map).
After the toilet block and parking area, the track passes thorugh through woodland and scrub. Gray Treepie may be seen here. Resident minivets and wintering warblers should be seen in the woodland beside the track.
On reaching the ruined village of Cheung Uk, turn right onto a narrow path which leads around the valley. In winter there is a pond here. The abandoned cultivated areas have turned into scrub which is ideal for shrikes, chats and prinias. In addition to the common Long-tailed Shrike and Brown Shrikes which occur on passage, Bull-headed Shrike sometimes occurs here in winter. Amur Stonechat is common and Gray Bushchat possible.
After crossing the valley, the path enters woodland. Several paths are available:
1. Follow the trail to or towards Hok Tau Reservoir. One can then retrace one's steps or return via the Hok Tau Family Walk (a loop taking about an hour). Scarlet-backed and Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers occur here.
along this path.
2. Follow the path towards Ping Shan Chai and return when one has seen enough.
3. Combine options 1 and 2 into a circuit: Cheung Uk - Ping Shan Chai - Hok Tau Reservoir - Cheung Uk, or vice versa (this will take at least an hour).
For fit visitors with plenty of time and energy, from either Ping Shan Chai or Hok Tau Reservoir it is possible to reach the high ridges of Pat Sin Leng towards Ping Fung Shan and Wong Leng. These ridges have mountain species such as Upland Pipit and Chinese Grassbird. Such a hike is not to be undertaken lightly, however (see 'security' below).
Like Hong Kong in general, the site is most rewarding between September and May. For visitors arriving on foot, the period from October to early April would be more comfortable. Mornings are cooler and birds more active.
Because of the time needed to access the site, a visit of 2 to 4 hours is recommended.
If beginning the walk at Fung Yuen, it is worth exploring the woodland and cultivated land around the Butterfly Reserve. Shrikes, thrushes (in some winters), flycatchers such as Verditer Flycatcher and occasionally Forest Wagtail can occur here.
If arriving by car, at least one rewarding area should be checked before reaching the parking area. This is where an open valley appears on the left which often has buntings and chats in winter, sometimes including Gray Bushchat (see "Watchpoint for buntings, chats etc" on the map).
After the toilet block and parking area, the track passes thorugh woodland and scrub. Gray Treepie may be seen here. Resident minivets and wintering warblers should be seen in the woodland beside the track.
On reaching the ruined village of Cheung Uk, turn right onto a narrow path which leads around the valley. In winter there is a pond here. The abandoned cultivated areas have turned into scrub which is ideal for shrikes, chats and prinias. In addition to the common Long-tailed Shrike and Brown Shrikes which occur on passage, Bull-headed Shrike sometimes occurs here in winter. Amur Stonechat is common and Gray Bushchat possible.
After crossing the valley, the path enters woodland. Several paths are available:
1. Follow the trail to or towards Hok Tau Reservoir. One can then retrace one's steps or return via the Hok Tau Family Walk (a loop taking about an hour). Scarlet-backed and Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers occur here.
2. Follow the path towards Ping Shan Chai and return when on one has seen enough.
3. Combine options 1 and 2 into a circuit circuit: Cheung Uk - Ping Shan Chai - Hok Tau Reservoir - Cheung Uk, or vice versa (this will take at least an hour).
hour).
For fit visitors with plenty of time and energy, from either Ping Shan Chai or Hok Tau Reservoir it is possible to reach the high ridges of Pat Sin Leng towards Ping Fung Shan and Wong Leng. These ridges have mountain species such as Upland Pipit and Chinese Grassbird. Such a hike is not to be undertaken lightly, however (see 'security' below).
Like Hong Kong in general, the site is most rewarding between September and May. For visitors arriving on foot, the period from October to early April would be more comfortable. Mornings are cooler and birds more active.
Because of the time needed to access the site, a visit of 2 to 4 hours is recommended.
If beginning the walk at Fung Yuen, it is worth exploring the woodland and cultivated land around the Butterfly reserve. Shrikes, Butterfly Reserve. Shrikes, thrushes (in some winters), flycatchers such as Verditer Flycatcher and occasionally Forest Wagtail can occur here.
If arriving by car, at least one rewarding area should be checked before reaching the parking area. This is where an open valley appears on the left which often has buntings and chats in winter winter, sometimes including Gray Bushchat (see "Watchpoint for buntings, chats etc" on the map).
After the toilet block and parking area, the track passes thorugh woodland and scrub. Grey Gray Treepie may be seen here. Resident minivets and wintering warblers shoud should be seen in the woodland beside the track.
On reaching the ruined village of Cheung Uk, turn right onto a narrow path which leads around the valley. In winter there is a pond here. The abandoned cultivated areas have turned into scrub which is ideal for shrikes, chats and prinias. In addition to the common Long-tailed Shrike and Brown Shrikes which occur on passage, Bull-headed Shrike sometimes occurs here in winter. Amur Stonechat is common and Gray Bushchat possible.
After crossing the valley, the path enters woodland. Several paths are available:
1. Follow the trail to or towards Hok Tau Reservoir. One can then retrace one's steps or return via the Hok Tau Family Walk (a loop taking about an hour). Scarlet-backed and Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers occur here.
2. Follow the path towards Ping Shan Chai and return when on has seen enough.
3. Combine options 1 and 2 into a circuit (this will take at least an hour).
Like Hong Kong in general, the site is most rewarding between September and May. For visitors arriving on foot, the period from October to early April would be more comfortable. Mornings are cooler and birds more active.
Because of the time needed to access the site, a visit of 2 to 4 hours is recommended.
If beginning the walk at Fung Yuen, it is worth exploring the woodland and cultivated land around the Butterfly reserve. Shrikes, thrushes (in some winters), flycatchers such as Verditer Flycatcher and occasionally Forest Wagtail can occur here.
If arriving by car, at least one rewarding area should be checked before reaching the parking area. This is where an open valley appears on the left which often has buntings and chats in winter (see "Watchpoint for buntings, chats etc" on the map).
After the toilet block and parking area, the track passes thorugh woodland and scrub. Grey Treepie may be seen here. Resident minivets and wintering warblers shoud be seen in the woodland beside the track.
