"Long Valley" is a low-lying area of cultivated fields and ponds. In spring and autumn it provides good habitat for a variety of pipits, and wagtails. Other open-country birds include Daurian Redstart, Long-tailed Shrike and Black Drongo.
The wetter areas can be a haven for freshwater waders, such as Wood Sandpiper and snipe, with the occasional sighting of secretive species like Cinnamon Bittern and Purple Heron.
Long Valley was saved from a planned railway viaduct ten years ago. The Green Groups who successfully opposed the project now lead local "eco-tours" in the area and run habitat management projects. Fields of rice (rarely grown in Hong Kong these days) have been particularly successful in attracting rare species, such as Yellow-breasted Bunting and Japanese Yellow Bunting.
The best birding areas in Long Valley vary almost daily, with changes in the water level of the ponds and the height of the vegetation. However, Walk Hong Kong's specialist bird guides will make full use of their experience of this wonderful area to ensure you see the optimum number of birds.
