Vol. V. 

 1905 



J Mellor, J Visit to titc T It ggtr ail Lakes {N.S.W.) 



rumped {A. chrysoyrhoa). In the rocky gulches above the scrub 

 the Rock-Warbler {Origma ruhricata) was seen hopping from boulder 

 to boulder in quick succession, but this species was not plentiful. 

 In the tall turpentine trees and gigantic eucalypts, which were in 

 flower, the comparatively strong voice of the Blood-Bird {Myzomela 

 sanguinolenta) could be heard. The little birds were sucking the 

 honey from the flowers 200 feet above, and it was only with the 

 greatest difficulty that we could catch a glimpse of their forms. 

 By dint of time and })atience we succeeded in securing a couple of 

 specimens. A Honey-eater that was common in various situations 

 was the Yellow-eared species {Piilotis Icwini), whose note when once 

 heard can be detected at a distance. The Bell-Miner {M anorhina 

 rnelanophrys) was extremely local, but could be followed up by its 

 bell-like note. 



As evening drew on the notes of the feathered denizens of the 

 scrub slowly ceased, and only dusky little Yellow-breasted Robins 

 {Eopsa/iria aiistralis) stayed to catch the small moths and insects 

 to feed a late brood of young. These birds were extremely tame 

 and inquisitive, and would almost perch on one's head ; but even 

 these at last disappeared, and we groped our way in the dark through 

 thick tangles of wild raspberry and other prickly bushes, among 

 mighty trees and magnificent palms, with here and there the 

 twinkling stars peeping through breaks in the dense foliage. After 

 some difficulty in tra\ elling we came in sight of the glimmer of the 

 fire, which our friend Mr. Legge had kindled on his earlier return 

 to camp, and it was not long ere we were safe within the slab walls 

 of the " Retreat," doing justice to scones and billy tea, with the 

 nocturne of the Boobook Owl {Ninox hoohook) sounding in 

 our ears. 



We were up ]:)etimes in the morning, when a great variety of 

 sounds caught our ears, as each bird tried to outdo the other in 

 heralding the break of day. No waiting for breakfast, but up and 

 out we got at once to catch a glimpse of the songsters and their 

 doings. Birds were extremely shy, but not so the scrub leeches, 

 which were very bloodthirsty, and kept one on the move. Several 

 Bronze- wing Pigeons [Phaps chalcofJera) swept past on their way 

 to feed, while the Little Green Pigeon {Chalcophaps chrysochlora) 

 fed in the scrub above. The Raven {Corone anstralis) was, as 

 usual, an early bird, as was the Satin Bower-Bird {Ptilonorhynchus 

 violaceus), whose clear notes could be heard repeating its cry of 

 " Water, water, water." Two or three hours soon ])assed, and we 

 found it time to retrace our steps for breakfast. This meal over, a 

 general advance was made to explore farther afield. Far up the 

 heights the Pied Crow-Shrike {Strepera graculina) uttered its harsh 

 and sharp note. On lower levels we saw the Rose-breasted Robin 

 {Petrcrca rosea), while the White-shafted Fantail {Rhipidura albi- 

 scapa) whisked about and twittered in fear lest we might touch her 

 nest of young hard by. Th^ Rufous Fantail {R. nifijrons) was seen 

 on several occasions, but was shy. Ever and anon a Black-faced 

 Flycatcher {Monarcha melanopsis) would dart through the leafy 



