Mating pair of Tachypleus tridentatus caught at Ha Pak Nai, Deep Bay, Hong Kong on 8 October 2013.

Date: 8 October 2013

Location: Ha Pak Nai, Deep Bay, Hong Kong.

Comment: Mating pair of Tachypleus tridentatus caught by a local fisherman close to the shore at Ha Pak Nai, Deep Bay, Hong Kong.
Female: 33 cms across prosoma. 67 cms long.
Male: 25 cms across prosoma. Length not measured because of broken tail.  

The fisherman donated the pair to the horseshoe crab breed and release programme being run by City University and Ocean Park in Hong Kong. This is them in their new home.

Male and female together

Male on the right.

Female

In T. tridentatus, sexual dimorphism is shown by the presence of notches on the anterior margin of the male prosoma (head shield) and these are a secondary sexual characteristic – they are not apparent in the juveniles. These notches assist the male in attaching to the female during mating and are only present in male T. tridentatus – this is one of the distinguishing features of the male of this species.

The scars on the female opisthoma caused by prolonged attachment of the male. This female was carrying no eggs, suggesting this marked the end of a successful spawning season for the pair.

Black-crowned Night Heron feeding at Peng Chau, Hong Kong on 18 May 2013.

Subject: Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

Date: 18 May 2013

Location: Peng Chau, Hong Kong

Comment: Series of photographs showing a Black-crowned Night Heron making 3 attempts to eat a fish it has just caught on the water-front at Peng Chau, plus some photographs of this bird flying around the Peng Chau Ferry Pier.

First attempt to eat the fish

Second attempt

Succesful on the third attempt

 

Flying away 

Nice farewell fly-past by the bird and its mate

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) fishing at Peng Chau, Hong Kong on 12 May 2013.

Subject: Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) fishing.

Date: 12 May 2013

Location: Sea front of Peng Chau Island, Hong Kong.

First sequence

Second sequence

Hong Kong legislator LEE Cheuk-yan recklessly polluting the environment

This is a photograph of Hong Kong legislator LEE Cheuk-yan leading a protest in Hong Kong on 21 April 2013 by releasing balloons outside the home of Hong Kong tycoon LI Ka-shing. (Dockers drive home the message to LI Ka-shing. SCMP - 22 April 2013):

This is wrong for three reasons:

1. Plastic balloons are an insidious form of marine pollutant, because once in the oceans they take on the role of “Food Mimic” – to many marine animals such as turtles, they are eaten because they look like their natural food.

2. This is against the law in Hong Kong - releasing balloons like this is an act contrary to the conditions of the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 (Notice of Mass Balloon Release).

3. It is encouraging the children in the protest to break the law and worse still, not consider the consequences of their actions.

See the full report here:

http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1220085/dockers-drive-home-message-li-ka-shing

COMMENT

What rules govern the mass release of balloons in Hong Kong

According to the Civil Aviation Department “Frequently Asked Questions” page:

FAQ 44. Can I release a large number of balloons?

Balloons not larger than 30 centimeters (12 inches) in diameter may be released individually, but persons intending to release large number of balloons should notify the Civil Aviation Department.

Note: The e-notification and all relevant information should reach the CAD at least 7 working days prior to the date of the proposed balloon release.

FAQ 44a. What are the penalties if the above regulations are breached?

If any person contravenes the above provision, he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000.

See the CAD FAQ page at the following link:

http://www.cad.gov.hk/english/faq.html

What procedures govern the mass release of balloons in Hong Kong

Permission needs to be sought using a Notice of Mass Balloon Release (Form DCA 253 (rev Oct 08)). See following link:

http://www.cad.gov.hk/application/DCA%20253.pdf

According to the form, the following conditions are normally required to be observed for the mass release of balloons:

(a) The balloons shall be released individually, i.e. not tied together.

(b) When fully inflated, the maximum linear dimension of each balloon shall not exceed 30 cm (12 inches).

(c) Paper banners or other attachments to the balloons are not permitted.

(d) The balloons should be of rubber material; inflatable balloons of metallic material are not permitted.

LEE Cheuk-yan – SHAME ON YOU!!!!!

Black Kite (Milvus migrans). Peng Chau, Hong Kong on 21 April 2013

Subject: Black Kite (Milvus migrans)

Date: 21 April 2013

Location: Peng Chau, Hong Kong

Black Kite (Milvus migrans) fishing at Peng Chau, Hong Kong on 13 April 2013

Subject: Black Kite (Milvus migrans)

Time: 1455 hours (2.55pm) on 13 April 2013

Location: Peng Chau, Hong Kong

Comment: Following the trawling ban in Hong Kong, the sea will get clearer as the sediment settles, which will open up opportunities for coastal birds which prey on fish.

Misses the fish on its first attempt.

Catches the fish on its second attempt.

Flies away with the fish in its claws.