I don't see any problem with the bill. Rollers can show a slight hook to the tip of the bill, as on this bird. See for example:
http://orientalbirdimages.org/se ... _ID=&pagesize=1
http://orientalbirdimages.org/se ... _ID=&pagesize=1
http://orientalbirdimages.org/se ... _ID=&pagesize=1
This is perhaps most likely in juvenile/first winter birds, as the bill may become more worn with age.
I watched the bird carefully for some time yesterday. There is some wear on the old (juvenile) feathers, which would probably be expected at this time of year. Otherwise I couldn't see any evidence of damage to the wings or tail to suggest a captive origin. I don't remember ever seeing European Roller in a cage (although I realise that some Roller species are kept).
There is precendent for birds that breed in Xinjiang and winter in Africa to turn up in Hong Kong in October (e.g. Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Whitethroat), the weather has been good for migrants over the last two days, and there is a supporting cast that includes Blyth's Reed Warbler,
maurus Siberian Stonechat and Rosy Starling.
And look at the origin of the air stream from Monday (4th): direct from Xinjiang!
http://www.hko.gov.hk/wxinfo/trajectory/trajectory_e.shtml
The chances of a wild origin seem very good indeed!
Brendan, I heard that unfortunately the bird was not relocated this morning but I have no further details from the day - maybe it has just moved elsewhere.
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Last edited by ajohn at 6/10/2010 19:47 ]
