106 FERGUSON, Notes on Australian TubUwrcs. ^isf ocT" 



Jilack-browed .Albatross (/).- niclanof^hrxs) — Common, less 

 numerous south of Crowdy Head; several immature birds seen. 



Yellow-nosed Albatross (D. chlororhxiichiis) — Several seen 

 mostly north of Crowdy Head ; shy, not approaching very close. 

 Several, apparently this species, appeared to have all black bills; 

 one of these was seen fairly closely. 



Grey-headed, or Flat-billed Albatross (D. chrysostoiua) — One 

 seen when opposite Camden Haven Heads. Dark grey head, 

 black bill, with yellow culmen, and lower edge. 



Shy, or White-capped Albatross (D. caittiis) — Two or three 

 specimens seen, mostly immature, with duskv head, discoloured 

 iDeak, darker at tip. Noted off Camden Haven Heads, and fur- 

 ther south. On trip north a fortnight ])reviously. this species 

 Avas noted off Port Macquarie. 



Wandering Albatross (Dioniedea cxitlans) — Nxunerous. espe- 

 cially southi of Crowdy Head ; several immature, some with 

 black cap only : one or two with very white wings, and onlv specks 

 •of black on tail, the mantle with few markings. Generally about 

 <j were following the vessel at anv one time. As a rule, on this 

 stretch of coast, one Wandering Albatross will be seen during 

 the course of the day. 



Wedge-tailed Petrel {Puffinus pacificus) — Numerous, especi- 

 ally in the vicinity of Cape Hawke, and Seal Rocks. The iden- 

 tification is presumptive, as no specimens of this bird were 

 •obtained. 



Fluttering Petrel {Puffinus qafia) i RciiiJioldia rcinholdi 

 ■byroni) — Fairly numerous, mostly in c()in])anv with the last 

 species. Readily distinguished bv the white nnder-surface. and 

 mode of flight. 



The records of the above three voyages sujiport the contention 

 that while the range of a species is to a certain extent limited, 

 such range may alter according to the season of the year. l-"ur- 

 thermore, it is to be rememl)ere(l that individual l)ird> niav 

 straggle far from their accustomed beat. 



I now wish to touch on the species that frequent our .Australian 

 seas, in so far as my observations concern them. 1 do not claim 

 to have identified every species recorded as .Australian, nor has it 

 been by any means possible to identifv every bird seen. No one 

 is more fully aware from personal experience of the immense 

 difficulties attendant on the identification of Petrels at sea, and I 

 am in accord with Air. Alathews in his contention that species 

 should not be admitted to the .Au.>^tralian list until specimens are 

 actually procured. At the same time, there is a distinct advan- 

 tage to be gained in recording observations. H only interest in 

 the subject is stimulated sufficicntlv. a more careful watch will 

 "be kept for specimens, and the occurrence of debatable species 

 ultimately settled. As Mr. Alexander has pointed out. certain 

 5pecie> cannot well be mistaken, though sub-species cannot be 

 identified. 



Periiaps not unnaturally, as my acquaintance has been most 

 intimate with these birds, t start with the .Mbatrosses. Pionic(h'a 



