cgeoff

At the most recent meeting of the Records Committee, the following decisions were made.

Common House Martin Delichon urbicum lagopodum was added to Category A of the HK List based on a bird photographed at Lok Ma Chau on 19th November 2009.

Sand Martin Riparia riparia was moved from Category A to Category F of the HK List based on the fact that there is no evidence for its occurrence, and that previous records are likely to have all been misidentified Pale Martin R. diluta.

The total for Categories A-D of the Hong Kong List remains at 496.

Under consideration are the following records:

American Wigeon: this record is the subject of close scrutiny as it does not appear to be a typical bird, plumage-wise, and may show evidence of Eurasian Wigeon influence.

Sooty Shearwater: a bird seen from a boat on 25th April 2009 is under consideration.

Bulwer’s Petrel: this record is nearing the end of its third circulation.

Black-throated Thrush: Pui O 7th November 2009

Red-throated Thrush: Po Toi 19th November 2009

In addition, Mountain Hawk Eagle records were reviewed, in light of increased information on the appearance of this species that has been published in recent years. The three records continue to stand.

It was also agreed that a review of Velvet Scoter records was required in order to determine whether subspecific status could be determined.

Finally, some discussion was given over to revision of the HK List, and the fruits of this are posted elsewhere in this Forum.

Geoff Carey
Records Committee Chairman