I'isits to Members' Aviaries. 191 



attempt to go to nest. They are bold, audacious bhds, full of 

 character and activity, and are most interesting" to sit and watch, 

 for they court observation. Their song^ (laugh?) is very 

 similar to that of the Laughing- Kingfisher, but not quite so loud ; 

 however, it certainly is not inaudible! 



The Upper Aviaries: No. i and 2 are merely open wire 

 flights, with small cupboard-like shelters, for parrakeets. No. i 

 was unoccupied, while No. 2 housed a pair of Pennant Parra- 

 keets (Platyeercus elegans); these were a pair of fine robust 

 birds, in good health and vigour, but heavily in moult. 



These two aviaries were separated from a range of 

 converted Pigeon Houses, forming aviaries 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of 

 the upper series. These have, as yet, no outer flights, but 

 these are in contemplation and will, I opine, be uii fait accouipli 

 for next season. 



Pigeons, a former ]iol:)by of Mr. Bright's, which is not entirely 

 No. 3 was occuj)ie(l by a small flock of Bald-facecl l^imbler 

 relinquished. In the house are a goodly array of challenge 

 cups, etc., trophies of Mr. Bright's prowess with these birds in 

 the past. 



No. 4 contained a pair of Stanley Parrakeets (Platyeercus 

 ieterotis), a Migratory Thrush (Turd us migratorius), and a 

 Geogroy's Dove (Peristera geoffroyi), all in the pink of 

 condition. 



No. 5 was the home of several pairs of blue-bred Green 

 Budgerii^-ars (Melopsittaens uuduJatus) and several of their 

 progeny; also a pair of Cockateels (Calopsittacus novac- 

 hollandiae), which have reared young this season. 



No. 6 housed fine pairs of Diamond Doves (Ceopclia 

 ruiicafa). and Dwarf fi round Doves (Chamacpclia grisea). 



Lastly No. 7 confined a handsome pair of Blue Jays 

 (Cyauocitta cristata) whose full beauty one had to imagine 

 as thev were in full moult, and they needed to be in an open 

 flight for the play of light to bring out their gorgeous beautv 

 in full measure. 



This brings my description of these fine aviaries and birds 

 to a conclu-sion. The social side of my visit will not interest 

 my readers, though it certainly did our two selves, as we yarned 

 of avicultural experiences generally — many avian battles were 



