40 Stray Feathers. [^I^"]\ 



flourish if introduced and protected from gunners for a few 

 years.* 



As to the absence of the Lyre-Bird, it seems to be extremely 

 probable that the Lyre-Bird originally existed here, but was 

 killed out by the tiger-cats and devils, which are still plentiful 

 in the forest gullies, and were without doubt far more so in the 

 old days. In a small island like this a prominent bird such as 

 Meniira would not stand the chance of a lengthy existence in 

 the presence of so many bloodthirsty foes, and may have been 

 exterminated a good many centuries ago. Probably the abor- 

 igines, who were also numerous, would assist in its extinction, as 

 the flesh would be to them a welcome change from kangaroo 

 and shell-fish. 



The introduction or re-introdution of the Mennra would be a 

 most desirable event, but I question if even now the bird could 

 make a stand against its enemies, unless for the first few years 

 it could be protected in large enclosures. — H. Stuart Dove, 

 Launceston, lOth May, 1907. 



* * * 



Bird Life on the Buffalo Mountains in March. — 

 Bird life is not plentiful on the Buffalo Mountains, probably on 

 account of the cold during the winter, they being at an elevation 

 of about 4,500 feet above sea level. A fine pair of Wedge-tailed 

 Eagles {Uroactus audax) have made the range their home, and 

 are often to be seen circling high above the topmost peaks of the 

 mountain. They have a curious and decided objection to the 

 red flags of surveyors. The rare Black Falcon [Falco S7ibniger) 

 was also noticed on one occasion, that being the only other bird 

 of prey seen besides the Eagles. Ravens {Corone australis) were 

 in evidence, but were not numerous. Boobook Owls {Ninox 

 hoobook) were also heard calling at night. A pair of White- 

 backed Magpies (Gyninorlima leuconotci) had a nest in the belt 

 of timber at the back of our tent. Perhaps the most plentiful 

 of the larger birds was the Grey Crow-Shrike {Strepera cunei- 

 caudata). Mr. O. A. L. Whitelaw, the geological surveyor, 

 mentioned an interesting fact to me regarding these birds, as 

 well as of the White-winged Chough {Corcomxviclanorhajnp/ms). 

 He had set some " figure of four" traps for them and caught one 

 or two, but no more. The others seemed to have seen the fate 

 of their companions, and when the trap was reset they gathered 

 about it and inspected it carefully, then one of the Crow-Shrikes 

 cautiously went up, and, lifting up the string of the noose 

 gingerly, put it on one side and took the bait, of course without 

 getting caught. The Choughs followed its example, so my 



* Halcyon sancius is a migratory bird, and does not winter even in Victoria. 

 Attempts have been made to rear young in captivity in Melbourne, but they have 

 perished when the cold weather arrived. — Eds. 



