14 SOME NOTES ON LAND-BIRDS 



April 10th. — Swatow to Hankow. A moderate gale from 

 N.W.; misty and foggy. Between Bonham Pass and the 

 Bell buoy, the weather then moderating, a few pied wagtail 

 came on board; occasionally small flocks of duck from six 

 to ten together, were passed, sometimes on the wing, but 

 frequently at rest on the water. Last night the call of 

 plover, flying close over head, lasted on and off for several 

 hours. 



April 21st. — Wuhu to Canton. When passing Tungsha 

 Light vessel a great number of swallows hawking for 

 insects, these remained until dark. Also, saw a sandpiper 

 and a bird which I thought to be the pigmy curlew 

 (T Subarquata) and one small hawk. The wind a light 

 N.W. breeze and misty rain. 



April 22nd. — Off Hieshan Islands. Light easterly winds 

 and a dense fog. A few swallows near the ship at day 

 break. An eastern golden plover (C. Dominicus) came on 

 board and remained long enough for me to identify. Also, 

 saw another plover which, however, I was unable to identify. 



April 23rd.— Lat. 26-00' N., Long. 120-50' E. Variable 

 airs and foggy. Several swallows and a sparrow hawk — this 

 last was bent on mischief, but I did not see it get any 

 bird; one other land bird also seen. One petrel (unknown) 

 also seen in the distance. This evening being off Tung Yung 

 several small fin back whales — but I could not see their 

 heads ; fog very dense just now. Many swallows . came to 

 rest in the ship evidently lost in the fog. Saw a black 

 plumaged petrel. 



April 24th. — Off Chapel Island. Calm. A dense fog. 

 Many swallows round the ship since daylight,, possibly some 

 of our visitors of yesterday; by 9 a.m. they had all left. 

 Off Breaker Point at nightfall where many more swallows 

 came on board. A few dolphin seen here. 



May 3rd. — Hong Kong to Saigon. Moderate easterly 

 winds and fine. Steering a course to pass 35 miles to the 

 westward of the Paracels. After leaving Hongkong until 

 Gap Rock was passed, swallows were continually seen hawk- 

 ing for flies amongst the Islands, in fact a few remained 

 with us until sunset. Saw a few flying fish occasionally — 

 rather small ones. 



May 4th.— Lat. 18-55' N., Long. 111-31' E. Moderate 

 easterly w T inds and fine. Again plenty of swallows around 

 since sunrise — the only land-birds seen. Numbers of gannet 

 (immature) chasing shoals of fish. As flying fish were 

 numerous, I expect it was these that they were after. Some 

 gulf weed seen. 



