Eagles Nest Trail - Lion Rock Mountain
Illustrated by Angus Yiu 8E
History
The eagles nest trail is a trail that circles around the middle section of Eagles Nest, and it's name is respectively named after the black kite that inhabits most of the area. Throughout the trail, you get a good view of Kowloon Reservoir, which was built in 1910 and was the first ever water storing facility in Kowloon. Also, the Shiuying bamboo can be seen, named after the Botanist Shiu Ying Hu that first discovered the species in 1983.
Due to suitable environment, the black kite's are a common species that can be seen in this area. There is also a healthy population of Rhesus Macaque monkeys in the surrounding area. Don't mistake the monkeys for native monkeys though, because they were most likely to be the descendants of pet monkeys that got released in the 20's.
Due to suitable environment, the black kite's are a common species that can be seen in this area. There is also a healthy population of Rhesus Macaque monkeys in the surrounding area. Don't mistake the monkeys for native monkeys though, because they were most likely to be the descendants of pet monkeys that got released in the 20's.
Things to do and seeApart from enjoying all of the beautiful flowers and trees, the Kowloon reservoir and animals, you can get physical yourself and start gold panning, which is best done at a small river stream located 2 minutes from the start of the path. The point of which is to embrace the techniques and have fun and not to expect much reward.
In this video, Ryo (in the red jacket) is panning the gold while Senan gets rocks the size of a palm to help Ryo with the process. |
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This trail is a common hiking trail for "newcomer" hikers and hikers that want a relaxing enjoyable walk. The environments on this hike are suitable for all ages as there are not many slopes and steep elevations. The trees shade you and the sun doesn't shine too much so not as much water is needed as to if you were walking other trails.
Activities and Challenges
Hawk-eye
Materials: Binoculars (optional), Camera Walk as a group with everybody looking in a different direction, attempt to spot a bird. (It would be helpful if you had binoculars!) Take a picture of the bird and have the person that spotted the bird search up what the bird species is. The other group members have to guess the species of the birds and if it is too hard the spotter can give clues. |
Synchronised Walking
Materials: feet Try to walk as synchronised as you can for a period of time, you group members can do it with you as well and you can use Strava to record your results while you are walking to ensure an even competition. Note that this is best done on concrete roads and not nature paths as they can be uneven and if you don't focus on your step, accidents may occur. |
Island Flora
Shiu Ying Bamboo
The Shiu Ying bamboo is normally around 4-6 meters high and provides a nice shade for hikers that want a rest. This plant has not been found anywhere outside of Hong Kong. Mountain Bird Life |
Theaceae flower
Part of the flowering family of plants, it has about ten relatives in Hong Kong, and can be seen throughout the hike that we did. It has white petals, a yellow pollen and green stem. |
A wide variety of birds live in this magnificent nature walk caused by the vegetative habitats with tall trees feeding birds with food and homes.
THE CHINESE BULBUL
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THE GREATER COUCAL
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The Chinese Bulbul, also known as the Light-Vented Bulbul is a very common bird in Hong Kong and can be easily found in the countryside and urban parks. It is well known for it's beautiful singing but can be a big inconvenience and annoyance as it is always singing loudly.
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The greater Coucal can be found near the edge of forests, grasslands and near water. This bird is an odd looking bird, with it's eyes crimson, heavy bill blackish, black head and body, wings bright chestnut and dark grey feet.
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Island Mammals |
Rhesus Macaque
The Rhesus Macaque has a read face and a red rear, and originate from Asia. It is seen all over India and China. Hindu's consider this animal as sacred and leave it undisturbed.
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Wild Boar
The wild boar is a very common animal seen in Hong Kong, and are well known for being big but scared. There are a lot of different wild boars, with many of them being dangerous and can kill. Luckily the ones in Hong Kong are harmless and probably more scared of you then you are of them.
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Getting There
Go out of the Prince Edward MTR station, and take the 81 bus to Shek Lei Pui Reservoir station. The trip costs 6.8 dollars and is the same when you go back. After you get off, you walk across the road via the footbridge provided, and there you are at the start of the Eagles Nest Trail.
EquipmentWater Bottle 1.5L
Camera Closed walking shoes |
Risk Assessment
Hazards |
Risk |
Control measures |
Emergency |
Steep drops and mud paths. |
might fall and break your bones. |
walk in single file and focus on your next step. |
You can call for help, as there is data along most of the trail and there are co-ordinates indicating where you are. |