Smith. — On tJie Birds of Lake Brunncr District. 221 



lightly through the air. I regret that time wi-11 not allovr of 

 my adding a few more remarks on this splendid species. 



Ardea sacra (Blue Heron). 



Common in the summer and autumn, when eels and gray- 

 ling are plentiful in the Arnold and the lake. 



Ardea viaculata (Little Bittern). 



I lately sent a note to the Ibis announcing the capture of 

 two specimens of the little bittern on the west coast within 

 the last four years. One was taken at Lake Brunner four 

 years ago ; the other was shot last year in a lagoon north of 

 bkarita, and is now in a private collection at Eoss. In a 

 rough country like the w-est coast, still imperfectly explored 

 by ornithologists, it is probable the species may exist in good 

 numbers among the remote lagoons. Naturally an exceed- 

 ingly shy form, it would readily escape notice, as it is difficult 

 for dogs to work or flush game out of the thick grass and 

 sedges which generally cover the water in a dense mass. 

 I have no doubt that other specimens will be collected as the 

 country becomes cleared. 



Botaurus pceciloptihis (Bittern). 



Not uncommon among lagoons formed by small arms of 

 the lake, or in the small bays choked with weeds. Also a shy 

 species. 



Anas superciliosa (Grey Duck). 



During the shooting-season they appear in immense flocks 

 on the lake. They are probably driven thither or take refuge 

 on its waters from the guns of sportsmen in the Grey Valley 

 and other localities. The food-supply is abundant in the 

 weedy creeks and bays of the lake. All the birds we procured 

 were in good condition. 



Hymenolamns vialacorkynchus (Blue Duck). 



More common on the Arnold Eiver below the lake than 

 elsewhere, where they rest on the stones jutting out of the 

 rapid stream. They ascend the creeks in the bush where 

 they find an ample supply of food. When wounded they are 

 expert divers, diving in the rapid waters and reappearing long 

 distances down stream. 



Querqztedtda gibberifrons (Little Teal). 



Common in some parts of the lake, about the sluggish 

 creeks entering it. 



Fuligula nova-zealandice (New Zealand Scaup). 



Not uncommon in the smaller bays, where it takes refuge 

 among the beds of Carex and raupo. 



