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WEI-HAI-WEI-BIRD WATCHING.
MAY TO SEPTEMBER—1932.
E. A. AYLMER.
Having arrived at Wei-hai-wei on the 30th April bird watching was commenced earlier than usual. After a less severe winter, the country was found to be more forward generally and corresponded to like conditions three weeks later last year. The lack of water and drinking places for the birds was again noticeable owing to the drought, in this respect the situation was similar to the spring of 1931.
The first nests found, were those of the Hawks. A pair of Sparrow Hawks (Accipiter nisus nisosimilis) nested on the island, on the cliff over- looking Four Funnel Bay; by mid-May the eggs had hatched, unfortunately before the end of the month, the nest was discovered and taken off wholesale by Chinese boys. A pair of Kestrel Hawks (Cerchneis tinnunculus) were found nesting in a tall tree on the outskirts of the village by the First Lagoon. The nest was not interfered with in any way by the villagers, in consequence the birds became comparatively tame. Whilst snipe shooting at the Third Lagoon on the 30th April, several Swinhoe's Yellow NibTM Duck (Anas poecilorhyncha zonorhyncha) and Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) were found. On the same day several Solitary Snipe (Capella solitaria japonica) These birds were flushed singly, the birds appear to adopt to some extent, the habits of the woodcock, being found in a country one would expect woodcock to frequent. They were large birds in fine condition. But Once on the wing, were reluctant to rise and probably had just arrived.
were shot.
they flew off for a considerable distance. This is the first time we have re- corded the species at Wei-hai-wei. Both the Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa milanuroides) were found in the lagoons between the 8th and 15th May. A few geese, unidentified, were seen on 3rd May,
Snipe by the 30th April Pintail, Spring and Fantail snipe had arrived though not in large quantities, mention has already been made of the Solitary snipe. By mid-May the snipe had practically all moved on. The beginning of the second week in August saw them returning, this time in larger num- bors and several good bags were made. However, with fine weather and favourable winds, the birds did not remain long and by the end of the month, practically all were gone. Remarkably few Fantail snipe were shot this season which looks as if this species did not call a halt at Wci-hai-wei on their passage South. The Hill Rock Dove (Columba rupestris) was fairly plentiful espe cially on the mainland, only two pairs were seen on the island in May, these birds nested on the cliffs. On the 17th of May last year, a nest with fully fledged youngsters was found. A large number of Whimbrel (Numenius phoeopus) were found about the island and mainland throughout May, they fed largely on the cultivated fats of land adjacent to the shore, rarely ventur- ing more than a hundred yards inland. By the end of May, they had all left.
A Black naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis indicus) was seen on 21st May for the first time, one or more of these birds were observed for a few days but none remained to nest in the island. Last spring the first oriole was seen on 20th May.
The Hong Kong Naturalist
Wei-hai-wei, Bird Watching
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The Eastern Hoopoe (Upupa epops saturata) four of these birds were However one seen on the island 1st May but they were not seen again. pair remained to nest in a garden on the mainland, three young birds were hatched out and the family of five was seen about together in July and August. There appears to be no difference between these birds and the European species. The bird has been established as a resident at Amoy. fortunate that such a beautiful bird is attracted to and feeds on the most repulsive rubbish and dirt. This is the first record we have made of the Hoopoe nesting at Wei-hai-wei.
It is un-
A large party of Turnstones (Arenaria interpres interpres) was seen on the island on 23rd May, they could be observed at a distance of a few yards. When in flight they flew in close formation swinging and wheeling When on the until again alighting on an adjacent part of the foreshore. beach the birds could be watched turning over stones in search of food.
During the Spring migration, four thrushes were identified-these The Dusky Thrush (Turdus naumanni cunomus) several of these birds were found haunting the hillsides amongst the firs, seen on 19th May and for a few days, very shy habits.
were :-
The Grey-headed Thrush (Turdus obscurus obscurus) of similar habits and frequenting the same localities as Turdus n. eunomus: seen on 18th May for a few days.
-a few were seen
The Japanese Brown Thrush (Turdus chrysolaus). in the woods on 18th May, rather shy seen feeding on the ground in the wooded areas. They may have been confused with Turdus o. obscurus as a specimen was not obtained, but the red of the tail not noticeable in the Grey headed thrush was clearly seen.
The Red-bellied Rock Thrush (Monticola philippensis) had already arrived and paired by 30th April. Some six pairs were watched nesting at After the nesting intervals along the cliffs on the north side of the island. had commenced the male birds were occasionally seen fighting, presumably this occurred when one bird invaded the other's territory. These fine song- sters could be heard vieing with each other along the coast throughout the nesting season. The bird will sing whilst in the air or when at rest, when It also takes food either it usually perches on the topmost point of a rock.
on the ground or on the wing. This thrush can be called the best of the song birds of Wei-hai-wei.
year.
our
The Flycatchers.--During the third and fourth weeks of May, many of these birds arrived, this corresponded exactly to their arrival the previous Five species were identified, the most interesting of these being- Ince's Paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone incei): this is an addition to records. A pair of birds was watched at some time at close quarters on 19th May. In this case, the male bird was short tailed but otherwise in fu!l Other plumage, the upper parts below the neck being a rich chestnut red. Aycatchers observed were:-
The Chinese Broad-billed Flycatcher (Alseonax latirostris poonensis) casily the commonest of the flycatchers; first seen on 18th May.
December 1932.
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