Interesting Lecture on Bird Life Near Shanghai 'A. very interesting lecture was given by Mr. E. 8. Wilkinson for the China Society of Science and Arts, on December 13, in the Royal Asiatic Society's' Hall, 5 Museum Road. Mr. Wilkinson discussed the birds which may be seen and heard in the gardens of Shanghai, He illustrated his talk with coloured slides, reproductions of the pictures which illustrate his book, Shanghai Birds," which will appear this week. The book is being published by. the "North-China Daily News" and the pictures are done by tone of the best. artists in England, Mr. H. Gronvold. There has only! been one illustrated bird book be-
{fore in this locality and that has now been many years out of print. Mr. A. C.gle Sowerby presided.
electric Orthophonic Victrola was very kindly loaned by Messrs. Moutrie. for the occasion and re-
Jeords of bird songs were played.
Gigantic Eaters:
Mr, Wilkinson has studied birds and their habits not merely from a scientific viewpoint but for pleasure and aesthetic appreciation, He has succeeded in coaxing birds to come to his garden by knowing their habits. In his lecture yesterday Mr. Wilkinson pointed out that a bird consumes proportionately as much in one day as a man can consume in twenty days. This tremendous amount of fuel is heeessary to keep up the motive power. Food and water are greatly appreciated by birds, particularly in the winter time. 'AI bird table and a bird bath! fare valuable lures for those who love feathered creatures. Trees and small shrubs which will provide] hiding places for nervous birds and also a supply: of insects are also very good inducements.
One of the most common species of local birds, as related by the speaker, is the crow. In this family is the ordinary rook, distinguished by the bald patch around the: base of the bill. 'The Parson Crow, 80 termed because of the white collar' around the neck, is not so well] known in Shanghai.
The magpies are really members jof the crow family. The "Pie Magpie"—a somewhat redundant] name—has a. blue sheen on the wings and a green sheen on the tail which, unless one inspects closely, is seldom known about. 'The magpie is usually thought of as being black and white, whereas actually there is one type which is azure-winged and grey-backed. 'The foreigner looks upon the magpie as, at' best, Jan amusing chatterer. He is a bit of a thief and really the world's worst aviator. But the Chinese look as a bird of good luck and write pretty stories about him.
The Domesticated Bulbal One of the most interesting of] the birds in Shanghai is the Bulbul. Mr, Wilkinson is very proud of his picture of this tiny white-naped, blue-feathered bird as it is the only, picture ever produced by a European' artist of this Old World bird. The bird is an alert, bristling little creature, always ready for a fight. He looks after his' family. better} than any other bird and is very trustful about his home and nest, The name "Bulbul" is Persian for nightingale.
Pictures of various types. of the! thrash family were shown, the most common of which is the ordinary blackbird thrush, The: blackbird is ithe only bird in Shanghai who stays all the year round. Here these birds nest high in the tree tops, while in England they live in: the Tow hedges.
Of the warbler family the Bush Warbler is perhaps the most amusing. When he sings he makes. a! noise like pouring water out of' bottle and ends his little attempt: at melody with a high exultant trill, Another amusing bird is the red-backed shrike, of whom: there are many in Shanghai. These birds all have moustache which give them a very fierce expression and, it in reality, they are very hawklike and predatory. Usually they make very harsh noises' but occasionally. they get into a tender mood' and sing quite nicely: The Mynahs are great whistlers and mimies, and; not incompatible with their: voices,. they'
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.