348



Sir William Ingram,



they are plentiful on the Island at this time of the year, although it

seems to me that the large P. B. or the old ones does not seem afraid

of the hawks. Weather continues to be very hot, no rain, every¬

thing dry. I must say the birds are encourageing to look at, their

beauty alone is something to look at, they are increasing rapidly

as can be seen. Left Camp in the afternoon, and patrolled as above ;

nothing unusual. Shot another Hawk. The Island is so warm,

especially on the borders of the land, that the P. B. keeps more in

the centre parts of the land or forest, not until in the afternoon

between four and five they comes in nearer, I noticed that they do-

not like heat, they are fond of a large tree well cornered, and rain ;

all correct.


Jno. H. Hamilton.


Sunday. 20/5/17.


Left Camp in the morning and watered the birds, also made

a short patrol; seen and heard the birds as usual; in fact, whilst

writing this there are four of them alight just 20 yds. in front of

the house, one male, one female, and two young ones, feeding on

parasol berries; we had two short showers of rain during the day,

and strong winds all the time, to the delight of the P. B., they fly

about and cry more; can’t find any nest as yet, but still looking

daily; all correct.


Jno. H. Hamilton.


Monday. 21/5/17.


Left Camp in the morning and watered the birds, and

patrolled a part of the Island as usual; seen and heard the birds

all the time; fair shower of rain in the morning whilst I was on

patrol, its just what the birds like; I have seen a good many young

ones this morning. Shot a Hawk. Left Camp in the morning,

and patrolled as above; seen and heard the birds as usual; high

winds all the time and calm seas ; nothing unusual on the Island,

only it is very dry this year, and windy; the birds are all looking

in the pink of condition, as to their plumage nothing looks more

beautiful, as to their young ones, they can be seen all over the

place ; all correct.



Jno. H. Hamilton.



