^°''i^iV^"] BAf^¥iELV, '• Alike in Difference.'-'- 213 



side is bigger than ever. This one tree has therefore a motley 

 and worthy annual output. 



The Nutmeg-Pigeons, less vivacious, and more suspicious of 

 man — for do they not represent easy sport to pot-hunters who 

 raid their nesting resorts ? — have crowded Purtaboi, the islet in 

 the bay. Before sunrise a murmur arises from the islet, soon to 

 develop into a loud and melodious sound which might be likened 

 to that of water falling from a height into an echoing ravine 

 among hollow rocks, and at the first gleam of the sun the swaying 

 trees shed their snowy blossom as flock after flock swoops sea- 

 wards and sails across the blue channel to accustomed feeding- 

 grounds among the ranges of the mainland. The few that 

 remain on the islet are silent during the day ; but when the male 

 birds begin to strut and to " Coo-hoo," and to fly with clicking 

 wings, the sounds from Purtaboi, blended and mellowed, will 

 contrast with the unrestrained shriekings of the black, burnished, 

 red-eyed Starlings. An hour before sunset the Pigeons begin to 

 return. The sighing casuarinas are soon overweighted by masses 

 of plump white birds. The living snow settles at dusk and melts 

 at dawn. 



Diary records show dates of departure and arrival of Metallic 

 Starlings and Nutmeg-Pigeons during recent years to be as 

 follows : — 



igi2. — 12th August, Starlings arrive ; 13th, Nutmegs arrive. 

 i8th December, two Red-backed Sea-Eagles roosting in Moreton 

 Bay ash tree this evening ; Starlings seem to have deserted the 

 tree. 20th December, Starlings deserted Moreton Bay ash tree, 

 after several half-hearted attempts to re-establish colony. 



1913. — 12th March, have not seen Starlings or Nutmegs since 

 lotii. 4th August, heard first of the Starlings ; nth, Starlings 

 have begun to lay in accustomed tree, Red-backed Sea-Eagles 

 also begin housekeeping ; 24th, Nutmegs in great numbers — must 

 have missed observation of the first flocks. 



1914. — 26th March, Starlings manoeuvring in great flocks, 

 preparing for northward flight ; have not seen Nutmegs since i6th. 

 loth August. — Starlings return ; few in the " nestful tree " ; first 

 of the Nutmegs seen. 



1915. — 25th March, have not seen Nutmegs during last few 

 days ; note this day for departure. ist April, saw flock of 

 Starlings — last. 14th August, heard Starlings, about a week 

 earlier than usual ; 29th, Starlings begin to build ; Nutmegs arrive 

 in large flocks ; probably the heralds came a fortnight ago, 

 escaping notice. 



1916. — 25th March, Starlings depart ; 28th, Nutmegs depart, 

 ist August, Starlings make their first appearance ; 2nd, Nutmegs 

 this afternoon on Purtaboi. 



1917. — 12th April, Nutmegs on Purtal)oi, latest date on record 

 save for the belated flocks specified. 4th July, Sea-Eagles begin 



15 



