^"'iqi^^ J Fletchi:k, Nestinfi of the Black CormoranL 117 



prominently out on a small jutting tree. By its side were two 

 smaller nests, those of the Little Black Cormorant. In the larger 

 nest were a few scraps of egg-shells lying amidst the sticks at the 

 bottom. Rowing still further, we came to a rookery in which we 

 counted several nests of carbo and thirty of the smaller species. 

 We continued our exploration for nearly a mile, passing several 

 more nests on the way, until further progress was i)artly blocked 

 by fallen timber. Our boat being rather overladen and on a 

 dangerous river, we decided to return, much to the relief of a pair 

 of fine Black Swans, which had been swimming ahead of us. As 

 it was long past noon, we halted opposite the main rookery, and, 

 tying our boat to the tea-tree, ate our lunch sitting in the craft, as 

 there was no possibility of getting out. While so doing we were 

 charmed by the evolutions of some White-rumped Swifts {Cypselus 

 pacificns) flying high above us. We started the return journey, 

 and, after experiencing a little difficult}^ in finding the right opening 

 into it, we rowed across the lagoon and entered the race. In this 

 we were going with the current, and had only to keep the prow of 

 the boat straight. We soon reached the landing-stage, highly 

 pleased with our day's trip. 



In September, 1914, I paid a visit of inspection. As the l)oat 

 entered the river a flock of Little Black Cormorants rose from the 

 rookery, but on looking at the nests I found that they had not 

 been touched. Mr. Swindells and I made a trip to the rookery at 

 the end of October, but, except for the fact that birds of the 

 smaller species were repairing their nests, there was nothing of 

 interest to note about the Cormorants. The season was very dry, 

 and we concluded that this was having its effect upon the birds. 

 Other water-birds frequenting this region were very dilatory in 

 regard to nesting matters. 



Towards the middle of November, 1914, Mr. Charles Barrett, of 

 Melbourne, spent a few days in this district, and as I had arranged 

 a trip to the rookery I invited him to accompany me. Visions of 

 photographs of nests and eggs rose before our eyes, but again there 

 was disappointment. Nothing further had been done to the 

 smaller nests, but a Black Cormorant flew from the large one noted 

 on my first visit, and an inspection showed that fresh sticks had 

 been added. The sticks used by these birds were the small top 

 twigs of dead tea-tree. In the flock of birds flying above us we 

 noticed eight Black Cormorants. We exposed a few plates on the 

 rookery, and so obtained some little reward for our long journey. 



I made another trip about the middle of December, 1914, but 

 with no results. An amusing incident occurred. Three partly- 

 grown puppies belonging to my host followed the boat down the 

 race, and swam gaily through the lagoon, but when the colder 

 water of the river was reached the little creatures followed the 

 boat, howling and yelping pitifully. When we reached a tea-tree 

 clump on which were several nests, the pups were pulled out of the 

 water and placed on these, where they sat shivering and looking 

 very miserable. I took a photograph, for they made an excellent 

 picture. They were permitted to return home in the boat. 



