Appeared on our balcony during this morning's storm. Never seeen one of these before - a bit like a small pigeon with red bill, brown head, blue eyes, bright green/brown wings, two black/white bars on its back and a brown/black tail. I'll try and get a photo before the cats get it. Any ideas anyone?

Sounds like a female emerald dove - the male is similar, but has a whitish crown. If so, that's a pity - although resident , they are not commonly seen and it's a beautiful bird. There may be a few around, though, as I can often hear their soft mournful "hoo" call.

I've only picture we have from Lamma is a rather poor fleeting record shot from Yi Gou buried on p. 33 of the "Lamma's top 10 birds" thread, see

http://www.lamma.com.hk/forum/viewtopic ... &start=640

A bird from Australia is here:

http://lamington.nrsm.uq.edu.au/Documen ... _small.JPG

Thanks Zep, I think you're probably right. Ironic that I've never seen one live and it turns up dead at my door.

Foxy
I'll bet theres been a few dead things turn up at your door.
and lay in your garden and ....never mind

_________________
Freedom is more vital than a job

WTF?

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My eyes are up here

Foxy
I'll bet theres been a few dead things turn up at your door

No - what are you talking about?

Foxy, next time something dies on your doorstep, come get me and I'll take some photos.

_________________
I am a Professional DickStock Impersonator.

Despite what this bent bloke seems to think, things rarely die at my door.

BTW, you're jeopardizing my highly secret Forum identity, Dickperson.

Saw the male partner of the dead female the other day and he's a beauty - if anyone's interested (and can drag themselves away from the Green Cottage) he hangs out in the trees just after the bridge down from Dickstock's place.

Thanks Foxy............ will drag myself away from Green Cottage on Saturday morning.