Vol. xiil.T Barn\kt), Visit lo Torilla Plains. qq 



presence of alligators. Nankeen Herons {Nycticorax caledonicus) 

 were in thousands, but did not appear to be nesting. Doubtless 

 they, too, found a safe retreat among the mangroves when they 

 desired to breed. 



Several nests of the Little Pied Cormorant {Phalacrocorax 

 melanoleucns) were seen. Two of these contained seven eggs 

 each, and another six. Previously I had never seen more than 

 four in a nest. A Jabiru's (Xenorhynchus asiaticits) nest was 

 inspected in a low ironbark, but it was not being used. Very few 

 of these stately birds were seen. A hurried visit to Stanage Bay, 

 a picturesque home on the coast, where I saw a White-headed 

 Sea-Eagle's [Haliastur leucostermis) or Osprey's {Pandion leiico- 

 cephaltis) nest on a rocky pinnacle, securely isolated at high tide, 

 brought my trip to a conclusion, and I returned to work, with 

 both my diary and my mind stored with memories of happy days 

 among the birds of Torilla Plains. 



The Birds of Peel Island. 



By Noel V. I. Agnew, R.A.O.U., Moreton Bay, Queensland. 



Peel Island, or Turkrooa, is situated near the head of Moreton 

 Bay. It is somewhat flat, and about 2 miles long by I mile 

 broad. Few birds breed on the island. Most of them migrate at 

 the end of winter, returning again in the autumn. The following 

 76 species have been identified, namely : — 



Stubble-Quail. (Coturniv pectoralis). — Not very numerous. Their 

 cry is often heard, but the birds are seldom seen, owing to the abund- 

 ance of grass. Nests on the island. 



Barred-shouldered Dove (Geopelia humeralis). — Rare. Only one 

 specimen of this species has been seen. 



Ground-Dove (Geopelia tranquilla). — Common. Many young ones 

 seen. According to reports, the Ground-Dove breeds in the more 

 secluded parts of the bush. 



Little Green-Pigeon (Chalcophaps chrysochlora^. — Seldom seen. This 

 species comes and goes. 



Bronze-winged Pigeon (Phaps chalcoptera^. — Rare ; some seen. 



Bald-Coot (Porphyria melanonotus). — Common. Breeds here. Nests 

 of " Redbills " (local name) are generally found in swamps, built of 

 aquatic plants, leaves, &c. Five eggs, of a greenish-stone colour 

 with brown markings, are laid at a sitting. Bald-Coots are often 

 seen in the fowl-vards after eggs or any bones with scraps of meat 

 on. Their note is rather squeaky — in fact, it is more of a cry. When 

 flying their legs hang loosely behind. 



White-faced Storm-Petrel (Pelagodroma marina). — Rare. Solitary 

 specimens have been seen flying over the island in bad weather. 



Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuliginosa). — Rare. Doubtful species. 



Silver Gull {Larus novcs-hollandics). — Common at times. 



Pacific Gull (Gabianus pacificus). — Rare. 



