GIPPSLAND WILDS 51 



led me through miles of wild bush to a creek, which 

 had previously been associated with Bell-Miners 

 [Manorhina melanophrys'}. Bird lovers often visited 

 Cardinia Creek, Beaconsfield, for the sole pleasure of 

 hearing and seeing these lively birds, which nested in 

 a patch of scrub. A bush fire destroyed their haunt, 

 however, and the colony moved elsewhere a general 

 exodus. The Bell-Miner's notes are musical, and 

 when scores of the birds are "tolling" in chorus the 

 Bush seems to be haunted by bands of fairy bell- 

 ringers. 



Hearing that Helmeted Honey-eaters had been 

 observed on Cardinia Creek, I arranged to visit the 

 locality at the earliest opportunity, and try my luck 

 with a camera. The first nest of the species known to 

 science was found in 1884, on the banks of Olinda 

 Creek. It was obtained, at the expense of a ducking, 

 by an ardent field naturalist. The birds had chosen a 

 horizontal branch overhanging the water, and it broke 

 when the climber was reaching out a hand towards 

 the nest. The brooding bird clung to the nest until 

 the water closed over it, and neither she nor the eggs 

 were injured by the fall. The range of this species, so 

 far as known, is restricted to South-eastern Victoria. 

 Few naturalists have seen the nest in situ, and the 

 eggs are coveted by collectors. 



Accompanied by a fellow bird lover, I went to 

 Beaconsfield in October, 1912, confident of success. 

 My companion, who was familiar with the district, 

 took the lead. After a long, hot walk over hills and 

 through scrub, we reached a sunny spot on the bank 

 of Cardinia Creek, and while the billy boiled prospected 

 for nests. A cheery cry from Wilson announced suc- 

 cess. The nest, which contained two flesh-coloured 

 eggs, was in a bush growing from the creek's bank, 

 close to the water. Withdrawing to cover, we waited 

 for the birds to return. When the female came, and 

 settled on the eggs, I crept forward, peered at her, and 



