187 



No. 98. HiMANTOPUS LEUCOCEPHALUS (White-headed Stilt). 

 At the large fresh water lagoon near Lake Way these birds 

 were found in great numbers. On 14:th July a few were shot for 

 the pot, and amongst those secured young birds predominated. 

 After the rains fell in January large flocks of Stilts visited the 

 pools along the Fitzroy River, where their peculiar croaking 

 notes often betrayed their presence amongst the coarse grass 

 tussocks growing in the water. When disturbed, their manner 

 of extending their long legs behind whilst flying gave them a 

 very grotesque appearance. 



No. 99. Cladorhyncuus pectoralis (Banded Stilt). 

 Several of these birds visited the swamps near the Fitzroy 

 River during our stay in that locality. They were observed 

 feeding in company with Avocets and White-headed Stilts. 



No. 100. Gallinago australis (New Holland Snipe). 



During February a number of Snipe were seen along the 

 course of the creek running from the telegraph station to the 

 Fitzroy River, and also on many of the marshes formed by the 

 heavy rain. They were very wild, and frequently rose far out of 

 range. 



No. 101. Rhynch^a australis (Australian Rhynchiea). 

 On 14th August a tine bird of this species was shot by Said 

 Aimeer as it was wading in the shallow water of the creek at 

 the camel depot. It proved to be a female, well developed, and 

 would soon have laid. The peculiar formation of its trachea 

 proved a matter of great interest to our Afghan, who was never 

 tired of asking questions concerning it. 



No. 102. Gronticus spinicollis (Straw-necked Ibis). 

 These birds were numerous along the course of the Fitzroy 

 River, and they were found wading in many of the swamps on 

 its margin. Occasionally large flocks were observed perched on 

 the dead trees we passed. As an instance of the tenacity of life 

 in the Ibis, I may mention that one shot by Mr. Wells flew 

 nearly a quarter of a mile after a Winchester bullet had passed 

 through its body in an oblique direction. 



No. 103. Threskiornis strictipennis (White Ibis). 

 A few of these birds were seen at the lagoons near the Fitzroy 

 River, but they were rare in comparison with the straw-necked 

 species. 



No. lOi. Platibis flavipes (Yellow-legged Spoonbill). 

 Many of the lagoons on the southern side of the Fitzroy 

 River are resorted to by the Spoonbill. They were also seen on 

 the sandy flats of the river. 



