30 SOME NOTES ON LAND-BIRDS 



November 9th. — In Haitan Strait. N.E.. monsoon; 

 strong. All yesterday I only saw one or two gulls. To-day 

 I have seen a few gulls, never more than three or four at 

 one time, which were all (L canus) as far as I can tell, in 

 mature and immature plumage. And several of a large 

 species of tern, having tips of wings black; and a curlew 

 flew past. Further north, off Matsu, a land-bird pays a 

 visit, somewhat like a thrush, it being about the same in 

 size, general colour an olive green with a white streak over 

 the eye. Bill greenish yellow, with a somewhat forked tail. 

 Flight a few rapid beats, then its wings were held half closed 

 to its sides, and a few more beats and so on, the wings had 

 rounded tips. A pair of swallows were also seen hereabouts. 



November 10th. — Bullock Harbour — at 10.30 a.m. A 

 fresh N.E. monsoon, fine and very clear. When passing 

 through here a pair of crows flew past, also several other 

 land-birds, of gulls two kinds, one of which (L canus). The 

 others I could not identify. These follow in our wake. 

 Medusae seen occasionally. When approaching Taluk 

 Island I saw four ducks fly in from seaward towards the 

 mainland. 



November 11th. — Nearing Tung Ting Island. Wind 

 W.N.W. a strong breeze but very fine. The only bird seen 

 before noon was one pigeon. This tries to rest on board but 

 cannot find a sheltered place. Later a few gulls (L canus) 

 follow astern. 



November 15th. — Shanghai to Hongkong. Wind N.N.E. 

 a strong monsoon, and cloudy. Patchekok Island bearing 

 W.N.W. 15 miles distant. One pigeon flew round the ship 

 a few times, the land being plainly visible at the time, and 

 one goose was seen circling round the ship in an aimless 

 manner, as if lost : also several gulls, immature I think, 

 bill greenish yellow, black tip, mottled plumage, and are 

 possibly herring gull. Their flight is slower than that of 

 the common gull. Just before dark a small bird somewhat 

 like a chaffinch came on board but it was then too dark to 

 note its colour properly. 



November 16th. — Approaching Turnabout Island N.E. 

 (5) ; strong monsoon and cloudy. Several large gulls like 

 those seen yesterday, there are now both mature and im- 

 mature birds in view. Then there is another gull, perhaps im- 

 mature, rather a longish white tail with a deep black band 

 on the margin. A small land-bird made its appearance just 

 at dark, so that I could not note its colour. At this time 

 we were approaching Dodd Island which was distant 20 miles 

 to the westward. 



