12 Batev, Bird-Life Sixty Years As:o. [ist'^Xly 



before feathers had reached maturity. In 1901 saw a brace in a tall red gum 

 below our house. This pair, from their actions, looked as if they had always 

 lived in freedom, but it would not do to assert that they really had. Mr. 

 John Hillary, a sharp observer, said that Galahs appeared at Greenvale, 

 not far from Broadmeadows, during the year of the bad drought up North, 

 but that season was a splendid one down South. These birds would be 

 genuine visitors. 



Cockatoo-Parrakeet {Cal op sit tacit a novcp.-hollandi(B). — Not seen till 

 1853, about the begining of summer, when sheoaks on Emu Creek were 

 literally alive with them, and a few years later some visited our place, 

 when specimens were obtained. In 1870, my brothers stated the 

 species was numerous at Lancefield, also that it bred there. Met with 

 some at Newham. 



Betcherrygah {Melopsittacus undiilatus). — Noted a small flock at 

 Redstone Hill about 1850; probablv seven years later in droves at 

 Brodie's 5 -Mile, near Fenton Hill (Bolinda Vale). 



RosELLA iPlatycercus eximius). — Ever a permanent, but got scarce 

 for a while. They nested on the place. Owing to extension of tillage 

 Rosellas have now greatly increased. 



Crimson Parrakeet {Platycercus elegans). — Once permanent, but 

 now met with in Gisborne, Newham, and Lancefield only. The 

 wholesale or partial destruction of timber drives this species away. 



Blue-bellied Lorikeet (Trickoglossus novce-hollandice). — Only a 

 visitant; last seen at Redstone Hill about 1883, when it attacked 

 fruit. Very common once on Conagaderer Creek, between Fenton 

 Hill and Deep Creek, where it fed on honeysuckle blossoms. 



King Lory {Aprosmictus cyanopygius). — A ver}- rare casual, one at 

 a time, in immature plumage, being seen. Many years ago one came, 

 a very wild bird, with tail only a ragged stump. There is a possibility 

 that this Lory wears down its tail when nesting. 



Green-Leek Parrakeet {Polytelis barrabatidi). — A few came once. 

 The white box country in Melton region I conclude was their favourite 

 resort. Noted a brace there end of 1870. Mr. W. P. Best ten or 

 twelve years later secured a pair about Bacchus Marsh. Noted a 

 few in tree near Black Gully when going to Lancefield many years 

 ago. 



Blue-winged Grass-Parrakeet (Neophema venusta). — Generally 

 to be found in a small party. This Parrakeet might be counted 

 rare ; saw a few quite recently. Never knew it to nest in my part. 



Red-backed Parrakeet {Psephotus hcematonotus). — None known 

 for long years on area, and first observed on Glenara estate, near Bulla, 

 in 1870, after which it appeared at Redstone Hill occasionally. Some 

 noted in 1884. Not observed of late years. This Parrakeet was very 

 common in the north of the State and in Riverina. 



Musky I^orikeet {Glossopsittaciis concinnus). — Always on the scene 

 when eucalypts are in flower. Comes to the place yet to devour fruit. 

 Seems to know when it is fit. 



Little Lorikeet {Glossopsittaciis pusiUus). — A very frequent visitor 

 in small lots. Seems very affectionate, but has not visited the old 

 locality for long years. 



