186 



No. 93. EuDROMiAS AUSTRALis (Australian Dotterel), 

 At the first lagoon we passed on approaching the Fitzroy 

 River a number of these birds were seen running near the margin 

 ■of the water. When alarmed, they rose quickly, their long 

 pointed wings enabling them to travel a great distance in a very 

 short time. Although on several occasions three or four birds 

 were disturbed near together, each went oft' by itself, either on to 

 the open plain or some other part of the lagoon. On our return 

 along the course of the river to Derby they were frequently 

 disturbed some distance from water. They were never seen in 

 flocks. 



No. 94. ^GiALiTis MELANOPS (Black-fronted Dotterel). 

 At all creeks or pools passed between Mullawa and the Fitzroy 

 River this active little Dotterel was found, either singly or in 

 pairs, running along the margin of the water in search of small 

 aquatic insects. During August several young birds, just able to 

 fly, were shot at the camel depot, and one fresh egg was picked 

 up beside a pool. On 7th November I found several pairs of 

 newly-hatched young ones on the sandy bed of the Fitzroy 

 River. Although probably not more than a day or two old, they 

 ran very quickly for some distance before being caught. When 

 •one was captured it invariably proved that the other had escaped 

 during the chase. When newly hatched, the Black-fronted 

 Dotterel is probably the most handsome of all Australian birds 

 at that age. 



No. 95. ^GiALiTis RUFicAPiLLUS (Red-capped Dotterel). 

 Large numbers of these birds were found at the fresh-water 

 swamp near Lake Way. They congregated on the sandy margin 

 in great flocks, and ran over the moist ground with surprising 

 rapidity in search of food ; but when their wants were satisfied 

 they again assembled in groups, and remained in one position for 

 over an hour, if undisturbed. 



No. 96. Glareola Isabella (Australian Pratincole). 

 Single examples of this species were frequently seen on the 

 open plains within a few miles of Derby and at the swamps near 

 the Fitzroy River. I was informed that they breed in con- 

 siderable numbers on the stony rises near the Margaret River. 



No. 97. Recurvirostra xov.e-hollaxdi^ (Red-necked Avocet). 

 This well-known wader was frequently observed in the shallow 

 swamps near the Fitzroy River. Running amongst the weeds in 

 the shallow swamp, the Avocet dexterously secures a supply of 

 minute aquatic insects by the aid of its peculiar awl-like bill. 

 They were often seen in company with the White-headed Stilts. 



