Changes to the HK List (26th August 2009)
At our 25th August meeting of the Records Committee, the following decisions were made:
1. Changes to the HK List.
Additions to Category A
Great Thick-knee Esacus recurvirostis
One at Mai Po NR on 24th June 2009.
Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
One on Po Toi on 4th April 2007.
Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae
In light of a recent series of midwinter records on 15th December and 20th January to 8th February, this species is now moved from Category E to Category A.
Mrs Gould’s Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae
In light of a recent series of late winter records from late January to late March, this species is now moved from Category E to Category A.
Accepted addition to HK List, category pending
Hodgson’s Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni
One on Po Toi on 11th December 2007.
The HK List now stands at 495 species in Categories A-D, with a decision regarding category of Hodgson’s Redstart pending further research. The updated HK List and Excel record submission file will be uploaded to the website soon.
Subspecies additions to Category A
Water Rail Rallus aquaticus aquaticus/korejewi
One was present at Mai Po NR from 2nd to at least 5th December 2006. The nominate subspecies is very similar to korejewi and, based on the literature, their distributions are such that both could occur in Hong Kong. Further, the taxonomic status of both these subspecies relative to the more commonly occurring indicus is at present unclear. Consequently, we have adopted a more conservative approach, which will be reviewed as circumstances warrant.
Narcissus Flycatcher Ficedula narcissina owstoni
Single males were seen at Mount Davis on 24th March 2002 and on Po Toi on 26th and 30th March 2006. In view of uncertainty regarding the taxonomic status of owstoni in relation to F. narcissina and F. elisae, we have adopted a more conservative approach. This will be reviewed as circumstances warrant.
In relation to this, it was also acknowledged that given current knowledge, separation of females of elisae and owstoni does not appear possible. However, observers and photographers are strongly encouraged to submit detailed descriptions and photographs of all birds, in order to allow identification at some future date, if that becomes possible.
2. Removals from list of species requiring assessment by the RC
The following species were removed from the list of those requiring assessment by the RC.
Skuas
Northern Boobook
Brown Shrike L.c. cristatus
Water Rail R.a. indicus
Himalayan Swiftlet
Bay Woodpecker
Swinhoe’s Minivet
Japanese Robin
Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush
Manchurian Reed Warbler
Chestnut-crowned Warbler
Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher
Fujian Niltava
Black-headed Bunting
3. Website records
The Records Committee (RC) continues to urge both bird watchers and bird photographers to submit records of rare species to the RC for assessment. Records submitted in this way are important as they constitute an important data component in support of the list of the birds of Hong Kong. Some 'records' of rare species are now simply uploaded to this or other websites in the form of photographs. While we appreciate the usefulness of this and the high quality of the photographs, to do only this is not something we encourage. The RC prefers that submission using the Unusual Report Form provided for download elsewhere on the website is also made, as this not only allows a record of a rare species to be 'vouched for' by an individual observer, but also allows important details regarding a photograph to be provided (e.g. distance from the bird).
However, the RC wishes to keep as comprehensive a record of the birds of HK as possible, and for this reason has decided to adopt the following procedure with regard to photographic submissions to public forums such as websites.
1. The Forum will be monitored, as far as resources permit, for records of interest and for rarities
2. Should evidence for rarities in the form of photographs be provided, then these will be used to start an assessment. If possible, the photographer will be contacted to invite submission.
3. If the photos are seen as inadequate for identification, then that sighting is ignored (unless a formal submission is received later).
4. If the published photos are sufficient to be sure of identification, the record is accepted and referenced as ‘via HKBWS website’, unless the photographer subsequently makes a submission.
Geoff Carey
Records Committee Chairman
[ Last edited by cgeoff at 28/08/2009 09:50 ]
