^°'- ^^- 1 Lighthouses and Bird Observations. 6 K 



1904 J * «^ 



only been out here two years, but all that I have observed tends 

 to prove that much more migration takes place to New Zealand 

 than is generally accepted. At Lake Ellesmere, in 1900, the 

 first example of the Spotted Plover for the South Island was shot. 

 The first specimen of the Little Whimbrel for N.Z. was also shot 

 in June, 1900. In February, 1902, a specimen of the American 

 Godwit was obtained ; in March, 1902, a specimen of the Spotted 

 Plover in breeding plumage; in July, 1902, the Red-necked 

 Stint was added to the list, whilst in April, 1903, a specimen, or, 

 rather, a pair of the Curlew Sandpiper was obtained. I believe 

 I am correct in saying that these are all due to the efforts of one 

 man, Mr. Edgar Stead. I think it would be too much to try to 

 believe that the above are the only individuals that happen to 

 reach New Zealand. 



" Speaking of migration, on the night of the 5th May there 

 was a migration of White-eyes over Christchurch. From 7 to 

 10 p.m. the air was full of their notes. It was a cloudy night, 

 with an east wind, and the birds were flying very low, and next 

 day odd parties were flying about and around the city. I saw 

 13 engaged upon the skull of a dead sheep one day the week 

 after." 



The information is still very meagre, and contrasts strangely 

 with recorded observations from European lighthouses ; but it 

 is the first step in a good work. One fact is notable — the flight 

 of the birds which do strike the lantern cannot be as rapid as 

 that of the migratory species of the Northern Hemisphere. 

 There many are killed by the impact ; here, at most, but stunned. 

 A question suggested is — Are the flights on this side of the equator 

 as dense or as rapid as those on the northern one ? Stray 

 specimens only are here recorded. It is too early yet, however, 

 to form a definite opinion on the subject. When returns from 

 the mainland lights, more particularly those of the eastern coast 

 of Australia, come to hand, fuller information will doubtless be 

 available. But it will be a matter of years' observation before 

 really definite conclusions can be drawn. 



The South African Ornithologists^ Union. 



With reference to the formation of the South African Orni- 

 thologists' Union, Mr. A. Mattingley, hon. treasurer Aust. O.U., 

 has received from Mr. Alwin Haagner, hon. secretary of the 

 African Union, the following communication, the latter part of 

 which is virtually the same as forwarded to some British 

 publications : — " It is very good of you to take such a kindly 

 interest in us, and I can assure you it is very greatly appre- 

 ciated by us all. Your balance-sheet proves very interesting, 

 and will no doubt be a guide to us in our initial efforts. 

 Of course, printing out here (Transvaal) is much more ex- 

 pensive than in Australia ; but we hope to have ours done 



