78 Avsrm, Notes 017 Birds from T albv agar River ,N .S.W . [„t^7^|.t. 



remarks by stating that I hope at no distant date the law will protect 

 this fine, useful bird throughout the year, because I feel that is what 

 it richly deserves. 



Glossy Ibis {Plegadis jalcinellus). — I must put this species as a 

 very rare bird in this district, although they do appear in a wet season, 

 but only for a short visit. During the last seven years I have only 

 once seen them — a flock of five^but they only i-emained about a 

 fortnight. 



Yellow-legged Spoonbill {Platibis flavipes). — Not altogether a 

 rare bird here, but I have never known more than half a dozen birds 

 to visit us at the same time, and I have no record of them breeding 

 anywhere in tliis district. 



Egret (Herodias timoriensis). — Occasionally a single bird appears, 

 but never do they remain long. 



White-fronted Heron {Notophoyx novcc-hollandice). — By far the 

 most common bird of its kind, and, in much the same manner as the 

 Straw-necked Ibis, a very useful bird, but as they never arrive in large 

 flocks they cannot be of benefit to the country when a bird of 

 this description is so much required. They breed here every year in 

 the red gum trees by the river. 



White-necked Heron {NotopJioyx pacifica). — A very raix visitor. 

 I have seen odd birds here, but I fancy they have only stayed for a 

 few days' rest when travelling. 



Night-Heron {Nycticorax caledonicus). — By no means a common 

 bird, but there are always a few about during the warmer months of 

 the year. Their most peculiar notes may often be heard at night. 

 Although I have no record of them nesting here, I believe one pair 

 of birds must have bred here last year, because I saw a young bird, 

 wliich did not appear to have long left its nest. 



Black Cormorant {Phalacrocovax carbo). — Occasionally these birds 

 visit this district, but never in flocks ; single birds are at times seen, 

 either in the water or perched upon dead trees by the river. The 

 same remarks apply to the follou-ing : — P. sulcirostris, P. melaiioleucus, 

 and Plotus novce-hollaiidice. 



Pelican {Pelecaniis conspicillatiis). — Like a great many other birds, 

 pays us a short visit at any time of the year. I have known odd birds 

 to remain for a few weeks and become very tame. 



HoARY-HEADED Grebe {Podicipes poUocephalus). — In a good season, 

 when the lagoons have plenty of water in them, these strange little 

 birds arrive in great numbers, and a few remain here to breed. 



Black Swan (Chenopis airata). — I am sorry to say this fine 

 ornamental bird is rather rare in this locality. Small flocks are 

 occasionally seen. I have never known them to breed here, although 

 one of my boundary-riders once informed me he saw a nest floating 

 down the river in a flood, with the old bird still sitting upon it. 



Pied Goose (Anseranas semipalmata). — I have never seen this bird 

 here myself, but know five did rest here some years ago — unfortunately 

 for them, because two were shot. 



WooD-DucK {Chenonetta jttbatd). — Always a few are to be seen by 

 the river, and at times they come here in large flocks, but most of 

 them depart just before the nesting season, although a few pairs breed 

 here every year. 



