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E. A. AYLMER
The Chinese Grey-spotted Flycatcher (Hemichelidon griseisticta) not common first seen on 18th May.
The Siberian Flycatcher (Hemichelidon sibirica sibirica) a few only were seen amongst the fir trees on 19th May and 21st May.
Last year a
The Tricolour Flycatcher (Xanthopygia narcissina xanthopygia): A pair of these beautiful little birds was seen on the 18th May. pair was observed on 15th May. The flycatchers left after only a very short halt on the island.
The Shrikes-The Philippine Red-tailed Shrikes (Lanius cristatus lucionensis) appeared on the 15th May, four days earlier than last year; they increased in numbers daily and soon both their song and loud rasping call was heard everywhere amongst the tall acacia trees where they nest freely.
The Bull-headed Shrike (Lanius bucephalus) and the Thick billed shrike (Lanius tigrinus) were seen on 23rd May and 28th May respectively but they stayed for no length of time, this bears out the observations we made of these species in May last year.
Both Temmick's Cormorant (Phalacrocorax capillatus) and the Sea Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus pelagicus) were seen in larger numbers than usual early in May, a few remained all the summer; by the middle of August, many had returned.
The Chinese Greenfinch (Chloris sinicu sinica) was again found to be our commonest bird. They were in small flocks to begin with but soon paired off and began nesting by the second week in May. We hold to the opinion that both Chloris sinica sinica and C. s. ussuriensis are to be found nesting on the island. Though it is known that the adult birds of the same species differ to some extent in plumage and size, yet there is no doubt that some birds are larger than others with heavier bills and a lighter grey on the crown, nape and hind neck.
The Larks-the identity of the two commonest larks has been estab- lished, namely:-
The North China Crested Lark (Galerida cristata leautungensis) nests of this bird were found in cultivation, close to the shore; on one occasion a nest containing eggs was found on earth that had been lately turned. fine songster, the local Chinese favour this bird as a cage bird.
A
The North China Sand Lark (Alaudula minor cheleensis) is abundant throughout the summer months nesting on the sandy dunes and flats along the coast.
The bird appears to be double brooded, a nest of this bird was found close to that of the Eastern Kentish Plover (Aegialitis cantiana). Nests are found on the sand dunes and flats along the coast. Messrs. Vaughan and Jones mention both species as nesting along the coast at Wei- hai-wei and Chefoo. It was noticed that this sand lark prefers to sing whilst on the ground.
The Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus telephonus) was first heard on 14th May, several of these birds remained on the island throughout the
summer.
The Hong Kong Naturalist.
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