cgeoff

At the recent meeting of the Records Committee, the following changes were made to the HK List.

Additions to Category A
Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii
A first-winter at Tso Kung Tam, Tsuen Wan from at least 10th February to 2nd March 2008 (based on postings on the HKBWS website).

Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis
A juvenile was at Mai Po NR on 22nd and 25th December 2008. It was subsequently reported again from 28th March into April 2009.

Blue-winged Pitta Pitta moluccensis
In light of further records of this species on Po Toi and Fu Tian in spring 2008 and 2009, this species is now moved to Category A.

The HK List now stands at 491 species in Categories A-D.

Additions to Category E
Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps
One was seen along the access road to Mai Po on 10th January 2008. However, as it showed signs of feather damage caused by captivity, it has been added to Category E.

With reference to a recent website posting, the RC also examined photographs of the recent Hawfinches at Airfield Road and Ping Che. The latter bird showed signs of having been kept in captivity. Consequently, it was decided to retain it in Category E. Such species as this (others comprise Ruddy Sparrow, and Rustic, Yellow-browed, Yellow-throated and Meadow Buntings) are particularly problematic for the RC, as it is quite possible that both wild and ex-captive birds occur.

In addition, in response to a suggestion elsewhere on this Forum, the following species have been removed from Category F: Red-throated Loon, Greater White-fronted Goose, Amur Falcon, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Drongo Cuckoo, Pygmy Wren Babbler and Sulphur-breasted Warbler.

An updated HK List will be posted as soon as possible.

Also at the meeting the RC considered the recent spate of records of small, all-dark shearwaters in spring. The fact that both Short-tailed and Sooty Shearwaters are common in the western Pacific in the northern summer means the RC will be very cautious in assessing records of these birds; this was highlighted by the recent claim of Sooty Shearwater in HK. We cannot assume that all small, dark shearwaters are Short-tailed, though, admittedly, it is likely that most are. Observers are encouraged to provide detailed notes and as many photos as possible when submitting records of these birds.

Geoff Carey
RC Chairman

[ Last edited by cgeoff at 26/06/2009 12:37 ]

cgeoff

The RC plans to publish in the next HKBR an article on cage damage in birds, how it manifests itself and provide photographic examples.

I don't think there's an 'insistence' on perfect plumage, but, it is something we must take account of, especially given the unfortunately large number of birds traded through HK. To take the Red-headed Bunting as an example, if the sole HK record of a species constitutes a bird with plumage damage, there would have to be very strong other reasons for including it in Category A.

As always, comments are very welcome. Feel free to place them here, or email me direct.

Geoff

[ Last edited by cgeoff at 26/06/2009 12:03 ]