^"°'im^'] KLSSICIJ,. lairds of Baninah Plains. 139 



swamps are full. Odd pairs nest. One nest I discovered in a swamp 

 contained five eggs. August 10th, 1918. 



Chenonetta jubata. Maned Goose (Wood-duck). — Seen only at 

 odd times. Have never noticed a nest of this species on the plains. 



Casarca tadornoides. Mountain Duck. — Nearly at all times of 

 the year an odd pair is met with on some of the water holes, but 

 they are never plentiful. 



Anas .supercilio.sa. Australian Black Duck. — Plentiful in a wet 

 season, and usually an odd pair can be seen at all times. A nest I 

 found in a tussock contained nine eg:gs (November 1st, 1918). 1 

 fancy a few pairs nest on these plains. 



Virago gibberifrons. Grey Teal. — These birds are more nume- 

 rous than any other of the duck family, and at times large flocks 

 can be seen on the dams and creeks. I have noticed young teal just 

 hatched, on the water's edge, but have never noticed a nest. 



Malacorhynchus membranceus. Pink-eared Duck. — Seen only 

 during wet seasons, when at times they are fairly plentiful, but I 

 doubt whether they nest in these parts. 



Phalacrocorax carbo. Black Cormorant. — I have seen a pair 

 of these birds a few times lately on one of the larger water supply 

 dams, but probably they are only temporary visitors. I rather hope 

 they are. 



Phalacrocorax melanoleucus. Little Pied Cormorant. — Seen 

 only at odd times through the year. They follow^ along the creeks 

 during the day, and make into the trees at the homestead every 

 night to roost. Xev«^r more than three or four appear together. I 

 fancy they must find it rather difficult to secure enough' food. 



Circu.s approximans. Allied Swamp Hawk. — This bird is one 

 of our most commcn birds of prey, and although not seen so much 

 during the winter months, towards the beginning of spring they make 

 their appearance in fair numbers. I have often come across their 

 nests among the leeds in the creeks, and one nest contained four 

 eggs. November 15th, 1918. 



Astur approximans. Australian Goshawk. — Odd birds are seen 

 occasionally mostly when there are dead lambs about on which they 

 feed. 



Uroaetus audax. Wedge-tailed Eagle. — Seen only at odd times 

 during the year, more especially in April and May, when the young 

 lambs are about. I know of the many opinions in regard to these 

 birds killing lambs, but personally I have never seen them attack 

 a live lamb. I have seen them attack a ewe when cast, and mutilate 

 it to such an extent as to necessitate its being destroyed. These 

 birds do not nest here, but most likely return to the Otways or the 

 ranges towards Ballarat to breed. 



leracidea berigora. Brown Hawk. — Plentiful at all times of 

 the year. I fancy these birds take a fair number of chickens where 

 opportunity offers, but no doubt they do a lot of good to make up 

 for this. I have often come across them nesting, but have never 

 seen them actually building a nest. They usually commence nesting 

 in August, rather earlier than most birds, and I do not remember' 

 a nest with more than three eggs. 



Cerchneis cenchroide.s. Nankeen Kestrel. — Seen only at odd 

 times through the year. I fancy there is not sufficient timber for 

 this species to remain permanently with us. I have never observed 

 them nesting in the district. 



Spiloglaux boobook. Boobook Owl. — I have seen this bird 

 several times during the day time. I think there. ai'e probably a fair 

 number about. 



