^''l-92^i'^'] ACxNEW, Notes from Peel Jshmd. 131 



Further Notes from Peel Island, Moreton Bay, 

 Queensland 



T.y XOEL \'. I. AC.XKW, K.A.O.U., yLieensland. 



Allhougli it is some years since my Bird-list was ])iiblished 

 (vide Emu, Oct., 1913), 1 find it necessary to forward the fol- 

 lowing notes regarding 91 birds, which makes the total 161 

 species to date. Some migrants arrive as early as February, 

 others depart not later than in August; stray birds are blown 

 here by heavy winds, and others stay a short period. A few- 

 species hitherto recorded have nested on the island. 



I may mention, although Peel Island lies two miles from 

 Stradbroke Island, some birds noted on the latter island are not 

 found here — for instance, the Grey Shrike-Thrush (CoUuri- 

 ci)icla Jiannonica), and the Red-browed Finch {^Hgintha tem- 

 poralis). It is strange that these birds do not visit this island, 

 which is well su])])lied with food and fresh w'ater. 



Synoicus australis. Brown Quail. — Rare; the same habitat as the 

 Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis), and the nesting period is in late 

 autumn. 



rtilinopus regina. Red-crowned Fruit Pigeon. — The first note 

 taken on 24/10/15. A solitary bird was observed feeding in a fruit- 

 bearing Moreton Bay fig; this bird frequented the tree till December, 

 when it was shot. In the same period of 1916 a pair was noted. 



Hypotjenidia philippensis. Pectoral Rail. — Observed on 15/3/16; 

 is rare, being noted singly or in pairs. This bird probably breeds 

 here, but I have been unsuccessful in locating nests. 



Porzana fluminea. Australian Spotted Crake. — Common. Gene- 

 rally seen in pairs; they are supposed to relish fowl eggs. Nests 

 here, young being noted in the third week of October. 



Fulica australis. Australian Coot. — A doubtful visitor A resi- 

 dent informed me he had seen a pair of these birds near the sea- 

 shore. 



Sterna striata. White-fronted Tern. — Visits us during winter 

 months. The rapid and easy flight of these birds is worth watching 

 as they sail and flutter in the air a good height above the waves, and 

 then rapidly dive to secure a fish. 



Arenaria interpres. Turnstone. — While observing the habits of 

 sea birds in 1914, I was attracted by the presence of a pair of these 

 birds feeding a short distance away. I think their name is appro- 

 priate, as the birds were busily engaged turning over small stones 

 and shells in search of molluscs. 



Haematopus ostralegus. Pier Oyster-catcher. — 8/10/14. One of 

 the birds observed feeding on the reef. 



Lobibyx novae-honandiae. Spur-wing Plover. — Occasionally noted. 



Squatarola squatarola. Grey Plover. — Doubtful species. A small 

 flock of sea birds answering to the description of this Plover was ob- 

 served in 1914. 



Pluvialis dominicus. Lesser Golden Plover. — First noted during 

 mid-winter, 1914. Visits the island every season. 



Peltohyas australis. Australian Dotterel. — Observed during win- 

 ter; they frequent the mud flats in pairs. 



