The South Australian, Oniitholotjical Association . 



white-browed babblers pull young sparrows out of their nest 

 and then drag the nest to pieces. Landrails were nesting at 

 the Reedbeds. Mr. F. R, Zietz drew attention to the fact 

 that bo,vs were taking birds' nests and eggs in the parks. 

 Mr. A. Crompton stated that he had seen great numbers of 

 wattle birds at Second \^alley lately. Mr. Hosking said a friend 

 had observed a tussle between a snake and a kestrel; the 

 snake at last escaped. The Secretary (Mr. F. Angel) stated 

 that he had discovered an eagle's nest at Moolooloo. and had 

 counted the renuiins of 31) rabbits, two cats, and a wallaby. 

 The cats were an unusual change of diet, and it was said thai 

 the manager of the station was in favour of ])rotecting the birds. 

 Mr. Mellor gave an interesting account of a trip made into 

 the mallee and pine country off the Paringa line, and showed 

 a number of bird skins. He stated that the birds had nested 

 early in that district this season owing, no doubt, to the spell 

 of fine weather some few weeks back. The Hon. Secretary 

 gave an account of a visit made by a small party of nature 

 lovers to Moolooloo Station, at the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. 

 Lindo. Mr. Angel read a large list of birds observed, and 

 gave useful notes upon them. Mr. Beck (a visitor) showed 

 some nice photographs taken v.\Hm this trip. 



NOVEMBER 29th, 1918. 

 <.'apt. S. A. White presided. The failure of the Govern- 

 ment to pass the Bill for the protection of birds was dis- 

 cussed, also the constitution of "Flinders Chase." The time 

 lost in carrying out these national works was much deplored. 

 Two names were submitted as new members. Mr. J. W. 

 Melloi- re]>(>rted that many bee-eaters [Merops ornatus) 

 had visited Lockleys last month, and that he had seen mag 

 pies pulling sparrows' nests to pieces and carrying off the 

 young birds. The same member reported that much bird 

 destruction was going on in the Mount Lofty Ranges through 

 school boys destroying nests and eggs. Mr. A. G. Edquist 

 read an interesting letter from a member of the Bird Club 

 describing how the wr'ter had seen a grass parrot frequenting 

 a hole in the ground, wher.c most likely it would nest. This 

 statement led to a discussion in regard to cockatoos nesting 

 in rabbit burrows and upon the ground. Master Allan 

 Lendon re])orted having noticed a brush bronzewing pigeon 

 oil the Lower Sturt Road. The Chairman said that he had 

 seen two stubble quails' nests, one with five eggs and another 

 with seven eggs — both at the Reedbeds; also several grass 

 parrots in his garden. It was many years since these birdfe 



