Subject: Russet Sparrow - escape or not? 山麻雀 - 會是逸鳥嗎 ? [Print This Page] Author: sdavid Time: 16/10/2006 22:07 Subject: Russet Sparrow - escape or not? 山麻雀 - 會是逸鳥嗎 ?
I saw a male Russet Sparrow at the peak of Yuk Kwai Shan on Ap Lei Chau today and was wondering if it coud be considered a genuine wild bird or if it would more likely be an escape?
From consulting the Avifauna of HK, the records of autumn passage birds have occured between 8 Sept and 3 Oct. This sighting would therefore be just 2 weeks out?
I didnt see any obvious damage to the tail feathers that occur with caged birds, but if I'm perfectly honest, I didn't specifically check these. The bird appeared in good condition, though the 'obvious' white eyebrow wasn't that obvious.
It was calling regularly from prominent perches - would this indicate a former cage bird? Also, it was close to a shelter/pavillion, which may point towards it being an escaped bird ie if its owner had carried it all the way up the hill maybe?
Anyway, I was curious really to see any other views on this considering there are relatively few records shown in the Avifauna in recent years.
Ta
Dave Author: kmike Time: 16/10/2006 22:41
Hi Dave
I used to live at South Horizons and know the site.
Bearing in mind the location, it is likely that this is an escape, but its almost always impossible to prove - one way or the other. They're nice birds either way.
Cheers
Mike K Author: sdavid Time: 17/10/2006 08:34
Cheers Mike
I thought as much, due to the nature of site and past HK records, but you still think, well maybe!
Very nice to see though.
Dave Author: cgeoff Time: 18/10/2006 13:52
Dave,
Pls write a description of your bird, its behaviour, date and other circumstances, and submit it to the Records Committee. Your record is still of interest.
You should be able to find the unusual report recording form on the website for download.
Finally, I think the new format is very good. No doubt there are a few teething problems, but these will sort themselves out. I'd like to congratulate those behind it on a great job. Also, do not be afraid to publicise reasons for change that might not otherwise present themselves to those who simply use the site, as opposed to administering it. The reasons that Owen lists are, in my opinion, justification alone for changing the format.
Geoff Carey
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