Hi Jeff,
Although I lead tours to Beidaihe/Happy Island and have done for some time, I do find myself helping out 'independents' fairly regularly. I was there again in May and despite quite intensive development, there is actually much new habitat to investigate. The original 'Temple Woods' are still intact but are perhaps not the focus they used to be due to new plantations springing up around the various new-build accommodation blocks and "New England' style mansions (with bird magnet gardens). Of course the Temple Woods still pull and where very good this Spring though due to the various new plantations and birders roaming instincts, we did find our selves trudging from one end of the island to the other regularly as 'new' species where found in new localities. There is a very good boardwalk system in place to navigate between sites as well as the various road systems. The new Golf driving range adds to the bird pulling possibilities.
The downside is the destruction/reclamation of the mudflats, the alteration to the tidal flow and very sadly, the now vanished wader roost. Shorebirds have dramatically reduced in numbers though all species are still potentially gettable during a visit there. Ironically it has been easier to see Asian Dowitchers now in the channel next to the new causeway connecting the island to the mainland at the right tidal period.
So on the whole, It is still very good and is well worth a visit. The new birders accommodation is excellent, showers, comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, electrics work and the restaurant, good but not yet excellent food. There is a shop at the harbour area and no doubt others will appear.
When are you likely to be there this Autumn?
