Vol. XIX. 1 !\i.GiLp_ N(,/fg on Nest and Eggs of Desert lUish-Chat. 57 



The clutcli ill good seasons is mostl\- time, hut in poor years 

 two is the usual setting. On 21st April, kjK), wr had a nirc rain, 

 which continued on to 22nd April, thus breaking a drought since 

 June, 1918. On 25th April (three days after rain) I was fortunate 

 to find a pair of Chats, their habits leading me to hunt for a nest. 

 I found a round hole scooped out just alongside a small, dry 

 annual salt-bush, depth about 3 inches. Thinking this a start 

 of a nest, I had a look at the spot the following day and found a 

 partly-built nest — some twigs and pieces of wool— but in no way 

 rounded out. I did not think of touching the nest, for I knew 

 from experience that the bird would desert, which I think strange, 

 for they are very trusting birds, and not easily frightened. On 

 the morning of 28th April I again passed the nest, and found it 

 rounded out and like a nest, with a start of lining going on ; it 

 appeared to be fine rootlets. I noted both birds carrying, and 

 each, on arrival, built the nest. On 30th April I found the nest 

 completed, but was unable to find birds. On ist May I again 

 failed to locate birds, and feared they were frightened by my 

 close watch ; I had often been within two or three yards whilst 

 they were building. On 2nd May I had another look, and was 

 delighted to see the bird (female) leave the nest quietly when I 

 was about 6 yards away. I found one egg. On 3rd May I again 

 called in at nest, and found two eggs, the bird leaving quietly at 

 my approach. The next day we had three-quarters of an inch of 

 rain, and I was not able to visit the nest ; but on the 5th May, 

 at 5 p.m., I visited the nest, and when about 5 yards away the 

 female fluttered off the nest, pretending lameness and flattening 

 itself to the ground within 3 feet of me. I took clutch— two eggs, 

 none having been laid since 8 a.m. on 3rd May. I have noticed 

 previously that the Desert Chat does i)ot pretend lameness unless 

 she is sitting ; until a full clutch is laid she only hops out of the 

 nest and stands a few yards away. 



The nest and eggs I am sending to the R.A.O.U. collection. 

 The nest is frail ; it is composed chiefly of wool at bottom of hole. 

 Lining is of small rootlets or twigs, evidently to keep eggs off the 

 damp wool, which, in event of rain, woulc> absorb the moisture. 



Nest situated on open plains, in ground of open, clayey nature. 

 The nest on one side shows a sort of platform ; this is on the far 

 side from bush. Rim of nest fully |-inch above ground. 



Quail.— While cutting his hay with a reaper and binder on his 

 farm at Lardner, our neighbour, Mr. W. B. Hardie, noticed a 

 Quail on the platform canvas above the knife. Later on in the 

 day the man who was stooking the sheaves found a Quail bound 

 to the sheaf with the string around its neck. Upon behig 

 released, it flew away, apparently none the worse. Farmers like 

 to see Quail in this"^ district, realizing they are not destructive, 

 and possibly are useful, consequently they find sanctuary on the 

 farms. — C. C. Currie. Lardner, Gippsland. 



