IIO Anstralasia>i Ornithologists' Union. \ . "i" 



' ' ^^ * L 'St Jan. 



the different States, and hope that more information still may 

 be obtained during the coming year." 



Here follows the balance-sheet, which was read by the hon. 

 treasurer (Mr. F. P. Godfrey), showing that the finances of the 

 Union are in a satisfactory condition. Its adoption was moved 

 by Mr. R. Crompton (^Adelaide) and seconded by Mr. J. A. Hill 

 (Victoria). 



President's Address : On European and other Birds 

 Liberated in Victoria. 



Owing to the absence abroad of the president (Capt. F. W. 

 Hutton, F.R.S.),* Colonel C. S. Ryan, P.M.O., Vict., kindly 

 prepared the following address, which was read by the hon. 

 secretary : — 



It is interesting to notice how many of the European birds imported 

 into this country and liberated have adapted themselves to new 

 surroundings and thriven. In their native land they are kept 

 more in check by many causes, such as death or migration, trapping, 

 severe cold, &c. Here they are free from those difficulties, and have 

 besides a much milder climate and abundance of food. Consequently 

 the natural increase is much more rapid, and they generally nest 

 twice, and sometimes thrice, in the season. It must be noticed, 

 also, that the European birds now acclimatised here are of a strong 

 and vigorous type, having ancestors accustomed to human habita- 

 tions for centuries past. Our native birds, on the contrary, have 

 only seen houses for a comparatively few years, hence they retire 

 and keep to the bush as buildings increase. But not so most of 

 the imported ones ; these find a retreat among suburban gardens, 

 and although heavy toll is paid by those that make open nests, in 

 consequence of the raids of domestic cats, boys, &c., yet, by laying 

 two or three clutches, they steadily increase. Such species as nest 

 further afield or in more secure places naturally increase at a greater 

 rate. These are fairly secure from birds of prey, such being 

 generally shot whenever they approach human habitations, and 

 are consequently scarce in settled districts. 



Many other kinds of birds than those most adapted to towns 

 and cities have also been imported and liberated from time to time, 

 but have not succeeded in establishing themselves. Perhaps this 

 is just as well in some cases. It is probable that those that did not 

 thrive were not so local in their habits, and therefore lost touch. 

 One of the other causes may be that Australia is a big country, and 

 a further one that they may not have been imported in sufficient 

 numbers, or have been turned out in unsuitable localities. 



The birds that have succeeded are mostly omnivorous, and both 

 the reputed seed-eaters and insect-eaters will frequently eat fruit 

 when it is to be obtained, but during the rest of the year live on 

 their natural food. 



The first bird we will take will be the Starling (Stiirmis vulgaris). 



*It will be learned with regret that Capt. Hutton died at sea on the 27th October 

 (see Obituary Notice). — Eds. 



