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Notes for the Month.



MONTHLY NOTES FOR AUGUST


By Secretariats.


The season so far as it has been pleased to reveal itself to

us has been, to most of us I fear, somewhat of a disappointment

with the persistent rains, the extraordinary cold nights and sunless

days our birds have felt small desire to go to nest and when, in spite

of all these drawbacks, they have done so, the results have almost

invariably ended in shattered hopes. Breeding medals will not be

in great request this year, that is certain. Miss Chawner, the suc¬

cessful breeder of owls, has nearly scored a success with the yellow¬

winged sugar-bird, but in breeding softbills it is the last fence that

so often brings you down, and with Miss Chawner it seems that

even the last fence was cleared, but she could not steady herself for

the run in and so she has to begin all over again. There are still

many species that have not yet been bred, such as the violet-eared

waxbill, the black-cheeked waxbill, the bar-breasted firefinch, all of

which are frequently seen in the market. Then there are hosts of

parrakeets of which very few, with the exception of the great class

of broadtails, have yet been bred. The parrakeets are not difficult

to breed. Mr. Shore Baily, our new member of the Council, has

bred quite a good number, of which some at least have been for the

first time. To those who want to try and win a medal the conures

(Gonurince) offer the best chances. They are hardy, easy to cater

for and go to nest with comparative frequency. But in keeping

parrakeets, beware of tragedies. Even the inoffensive cockateel has

lately been accused of viciousness {vide “ Cage Birds” for July 1st).

Personally, I would not trust any parrakeet of any sort or any size.

There is an old fable that practically speaking it is near relations

that cause most bother. However true that may be of divine

humans thei'e is very little truth in it where parrakeets are con¬

cerned. You may keep a flock of parrakeets for years without mis¬

hap when, without any warning, you will one morning go into the

aviary and be confronted with some ghastly tragedy. With small

birds it is largely a matter of colour, unless you are foolhardy

enough to turn a hangnest or jay into your general aviary, i.e., in¬

troduce accredited murderers. Remember all birds hate black birds



