AND OTHER BIRDS 129 



placed on high amid the tuneful choir,' I spent 

 every hour of light for many days. 



Some birds are more delightful to watch than 

 others, and I was never more pleased with myself 

 than during this week on Ulva. The weather 

 was perfect. Through the tree tops I could get 

 glimpses of the sea and hear faintly the pulsa- 

 tions of the engined fishing craft. The light and 

 warmth, moreover, of the new-made space, 

 proved an attraction to every species on the 

 islet. Bell-birds were thick about me, choirs of 

 them singing on, and within a few yards of the 

 stage, and tolling delightfully in chorus. Tuis 

 were there, Fantails, Tits, and Warblers. 



These species had come for light and warmth 

 alone, but others there were besides myself, who 

 took a genuine interest in the nest and family 

 within the ironwood. On three occasions a 

 splendid male of the red-headed species of 

 Parrakeet called, and peered into the dark hole, 

 raising from the nine children within, a great 

 clamour; but whether of welcome or remon- 

 strance I could not tell ; at any rate not more than 

 remonstrance, for the Auriceps is the most 

 gentle, harmless, kindly little fellow. 



This habit of calling seemed to be quite a 

 marked feature in the manners of the Auriceps 

 race also. Not infrequently, little parties of 

 strangers of that breed would visit the tree, and 

 chatter with each other and the Parrakeet hen. 

 Whilst thus either by custom or perforce, enter- 

 taining or perhaps rather enduring the o polities 

 of her friends, sometimes the hen mother's crest 

 would be slightly raised, and her tail feathers 

 slightly spread, as if not altogether pleased to 

 have so manv folk near her babes. 



