WOOD AND WASTE 185 



As before, the whole side of the aviary 

 was opened, and the birds were marched 

 in seated on our heads and shoulders — 

 their usual habit when flying down to be 

 fed. xlU handling was thus avoided. The 

 birds were in no way fluttered or terrified, 

 but hopped quietly from our heads on to 

 their perches. After one or two attempts 

 at the wire on the part of "Kuku," the 

 trio settled down happily, and were fed 

 and watered in their enclosure for two or 

 three weeks. Moulting is with the Pigeon 

 seemingly a lengthy process, for even by 

 mid-winter our trio were in far from perfect 

 plumage. Probably under natural conditions 

 the young birds retire during the worst 

 period of the moult to the very depths of 

 the bush, and there, in shelter and comfort, 

 build up their strength. About mid-April, 

 when they began to seem more robust, the 

 aviary was opened and the birds allowed 

 to quit at their own convenience. Since 

 then they have enjoyed full freedom, coming 

 to their meals every day, once in the 

 morning and once or twice in the afternoon. 

 Whilst eating, the pigeons are most par- 



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