68 Mouse, Nesting Nofes from Moree. [.J^'juiy 



Crake's nest with six eggs in, also several Grass-Birds' nests. 

 Found the nest of Bald Coot, built on flags bent over-; nest con- 

 tained five eggs and two little ones just hatched. On approaching, 

 the little ones jumped into the water, and tried to dive, but 

 without much success — they could only get their little heads 

 under, kick as they wovild. I got two rotten eggs ; the remainder 

 were just chipping. In the one green tree (coolibah) at the edge 

 of the tank was the nest of a Square-tailed Kite. I noticed the 

 shells of Duck eggs, and also a lot of down, lying about under 

 the tree. One of the boys climbed up to investigate, and found 

 a Duck had made use of the Kite's nest and had recently hatched. 



6th January. — Noticed numbers of Bee-eaters flying about 

 fairly high, as if preparing for migration. It may be the earlier 

 broods getting their wings, as there are several nests near the house 

 in which the young are still being fed. 



8th January. — Paid a visit to a lagoon about 8 miles away ; 

 flushed a Darter from a nest in which were four ugly, long-necked 

 young ones. 



20th January. — Found White-winged Superb Warbler's nest 

 with three Warbler's eggs and one Narrow-billed Cuckoo's ; took 

 the latter, which was quite fresh. Also found a Whiteface's nest, 

 containing three eggs, in an old Finch's nest. 



22nd January. — Found Singing Honey-eater's nest — one fresh 

 egg ; this is only the second specimen I have found. The bird 

 itself is very rare here, and confines itself to small areas. The 

 nests are difficult to find, being of scanty structure and built high 

 up in the small branches. 



23rd January.— On the way home from Garah my boys and I 

 had a hunt through the grass for Quails' nests, and found the 

 nests of three Little Quail, each containing four eggs, and also 

 one Stubble Quail's nest with five eggs. Noticed many young 

 Quail of both species in all stages of growth. 



24th January.- — While driving a mob of sheep I noticed a Painted 

 Quail fly up from a salt-bush ; on examining which, found a nest 

 with four eggs. 



28th January. — ^There are still some Bee-eaters about, but the 

 majority have gone. I believe now the only ones remaining are 

 the late breeders. 



29th January. — Made a farewell visit to the swamp. Reed- 

 Warblers still nesting freely ; also found three Grass-Birds' nests, 

 with eggs, but all heavily incubated. 



30th January. — Found Little Dove's nest close to the house, 

 with two eggs. A pair of Delicate Owls has nested for years 

 in a large red gum tree near the house. I made one attempt to 

 climb the tree, without success. These birds are said to hoot, 

 but their call is a horrible screech, like a tenor White Cockatoo 

 with a prolonged note. Every night through the nesting season, 

 from August to January, the birds pass backwards and forwards 

 over the house, making the most discordant noise, which is most 

 disagreeable and alarming to any stranger. When I first came 



