Vo1 - IIL ] MlLLIGAN, Notes on Lake Yanchep. 2 I 



1903 J ' ' 



The trip from a sporting point was not an unqualified success, 

 for, although the kangaroo were plentiful, the Ducks were 

 scarce, owing to the outlying smaller swamps still containing 

 water and food for them. On the other hand, the scientific 

 aspect of the trip was more encouraging, and resulted in the 

 discovery of a new Megalurus, a specific description of which 

 appeared in the last issue of The Emu (vol. ii., p. 201). Specimens 

 of the Long-billed Reed-Warblers, the Black and White Swallows, 

 the Mistletoe-Birds (Dicceum), and the chaste White-faced Ternlet 

 were also secured. The Reed-Warblers were just bringing out 

 their broods, and I saw one or two families of young ones just 

 from the nest. The parent birds appeared to me to be very 

 light in colour, both on the upper and under surfaces. Hawks 

 were numerous, as also the White-tailed Cockatoo. One Hock 

 of the latter I estimated to be composed of some 2,000 birds. 

 Their querulous voices became, after a time, most irritating. 



For the purpose of recording the distribution of species I 

 append a list of those secured or observed during the trip : — 



GRALLINA PICATA (Magpie-Lark). — A flock of these birds was domiciled 

 at the northern end of the lake, and fed on the drier portions in company 

 with the White-fronted Chats. 



Pseudogerygone CULICIVORA (Southern Fly-eater). — One I shot was 

 touched with faint yellow on the throat. 



Acrocephalus longirostris (Long-billed Reed-Warbler). — Very numer- 

 ous in the yangies. As before stated, they were in the midst of the breeding 

 season. I saw many adult birds carrying food in their bills for their young. 

 The birds are very much lighter in colour than Gould's coloured plate. 

 We waited one night at one of the pools to get some Duck-shooting. The 

 birds sang continuously until close on 9 o'clock when we left. 



Cinclorhamphus cruralis (Brown Song-Lark). — Numerous on the 

 undulating sand-hills. 



DlC.EUM HIRUNDINACEUM (Mistletoe-Bird). — Very numerous on mistletoes 

 on the " tuart " gums, but nevertheless difficult to get. I shot a young 

 male who possessed a finch-like beak of a vermilion colour. 



CHERAMCECA LEUCOSTERNUM (Black and White Swallow). — Found a few 

 in company with the Tree Martins. Secured two. 



CALYPTORHYNCHUS BAUDINI (White-tailed Cockatoo). — See earlier 

 reference. 



Porzana palustris (Little Crake). — Saw several of these jaunty, jerky- 

 gaited pigmies in the reed-beds. 



PORPHYRIO BELLUS (Blue Bald-Coot).— One of our party shot one of 

 these fine birds. They were more numerous on the muddy lakes. 

 NOTOPHOYX PACIFICA (White-necked Heron). 



Notophoyx nov.e-hollandle (White-fronted Heron). — These were very 

 numerous on the shallower portions of the lake. They were, however, 

 very wary. 



HlERACIDEA BERIGORA (Striped Brown Hawk). 



CORVUS CORONOIDES (Crow). 



Strepera plumbea (Leaden Crow-Shrike). 



