^°g<-V^ J -Austin, xVo/^s on Bj:>(^5 /;'om Talbragar River, N.S.W. yK 



be heard almost anywhere within a mile of the river. They breed 

 here, both in hollow, trees and in the banks of the river. 



Browx Kingfisher {Dacelo gigas). — This fine and most useful bird, 

 I am glad to say, remains with us in large numbers all through the 

 year. I have heard it reported that they take the young of other 

 birds from their nests. Of this I can say nothing from experience, but 

 I have no doubt there is some truth in it. My reason for believing it 

 is on account of the appreciation my pets have for Sparrows ; I am 

 quite sure there is no food they enjoy more. 



Pallid Cuckoo (Cuculus pallidus). — A very rare visitor. 



F.\N-TAiLED Cuckoo (Cacomantis fahelliformis). — May be seen 

 occasionally, but never in great numbers. 



Musk Lorikeet (Glossopsittacus concinnus) and Little Lorikeet 

 (G. pusilhis). — I think it best to mention these two together, because 

 they always arrive here about the same time, and may be found 

 feeding together. They arrive here after the nesting season in 

 tremendous flocks, and their screeching notes are not altogether 

 pleasant music as they fly from the tree-tops in thousands. 



White Cockatoo (Cacaiua galerita). — The only Cockatoo that I 

 have ever seen in this locality, and they are not plentiful ; small flocks 

 of them visit us about June. I have not known more than two pairs 

 to breed here in the same year. 



Cock.\too-Parrakeet {Calopsittacus novcv-hollandice). — Arrive in 

 large flocks during the spring, but it is a very rare occurrence to see 

 any during the winter. They breed here in great numbers ; I have 

 seen two nests in the same tree. 



Rosella (Platycercus eximius). — With us Ihroughout the year in 

 great numbers ; one of the most common birds of the district, also a 

 great breeder. 



Red-backed Parrakeet (Psephofus htsmatonoius). — Like the 

 Rosella (Platycercus eximius), a very common bird throughout the 

 year, and after the breeding season they congregate in large flocks. 



Warbling Grass-Parrakeet {Melopsiitacus undulatiis). — Only a 

 spring visitor, some years in large flocks, but sometimes only a few are 

 seen, other years none. I have observed a few breeding here. 



Ground-Dove (Geopelia tranquilla). — A few of these beautiful little 

 creatures are always to be found on the banks of the river. I think 

 they must breed here in fairly large numbers, but I have only one 

 record of seeing a nest, and I should probably never have found that 

 one only for the old bird coming several times to the spot where the 

 nest was. I was sitting only a few feet beneath the nest, fishing. 



Bronze-winged Pigeon (Phaps chalcoptera). — The only Pigeon I 

 have seen in this locality, and they only come on to the river flats 

 during the summer, where there are plenty of thistle seeds for them to 

 feed on. During the winter months they remain in the scrubs a few 

 miles back from the river. I consider there is no bird being killed in 

 greater numbers by the poisoned water put out for rabbits than this 

 fine Pigeon. Why they are being destroyed in such large numbers 

 compared to other birds is on account of the way in which they come 

 to drink. Firstly, they always come to drink just before sunset ; that 

 is naturally the time most of the poisoned water has just been put 

 out. Secondly, instead of flying right down to the edge of the main 

 water, like most birds, they always settle on the ground about a 



