Vol. XVI. 

 1916 



1 Alexander, Observations at Bremer Bay (W.A.) 2Q 



literature, has not previously been obtained on the southern coast 

 of Australia. There is a specimen in the Western Australian Museum 

 obtained on the Houtman's Abrolhos islands, which form the southern 

 limit of the range of many northern forms, but tfie present record 

 extends the range of the species by several hundred miles. The bird 

 was very tame, and allowed of a close approach, so much so that 

 when I walked towards it it kept its distance by walking away, and 

 it was necessary almost to run to make it fly and reveal the colouring 

 of the back and rump, which I hoped would enable me to identify it. 

 Even when disturbed in this way it flew only a few yards before 

 settling again. Having become acquainted with the species in this 

 way, I hope to recognize it if I ever meet with it again, without the 

 necessity of holding it in my hand, as there is really no bird with which 

 it can be confused. 



White-fronted Heron (Notophoyx novcBhollandice). — Plentiful every- 

 where — by the estuary as well as on all the fresh-water lakes and 

 swamps — often associating in flocks of upwards of 30 individuals. 



Nankeen Night- Heron (Nycticorax caledoiiicus). — Seen only on two 

 occasions, when disturbed from the ti^ees on the upper reaches of the 

 estuary. 



Black Swan (Chenopis atvata). — Numerous, flocks of from a dozen 

 to 50 being almost always seen on the larger sheets of water, and on 

 a few occasions, probably when they had been disturbed, out at sea. 

 During the day-time they generally kept out in the middle of the 

 lakes or on the more open parts of the estuary, but at night-time they 

 moved about, being often heard flying past the camp, probably going 

 to their feeding grounds. 



Mountain-Duck (Casarca iadornoides). — The great abundance of 

 these fine birds was the feature of the district. It was no uncommon 

 matter, on rounding the promontory which concealed our approach 

 to their favourite reach of the estuary, to find at least a couple of 

 thousand of the Sheldrake standing on the banks or in the shallow 

 water, and the sight of such a number rising into the air together 

 is one which I shall not forget readily. It is noteworthy how very 

 quickly these heavy birds can reach a great height in the air, which 

 suggested to us that the common name of the species might be a 

 corruption of mounting Duck. Very possibly this has been suggested 

 before. I learnt that the Mountain-Ducks had only appeared in the 

 district about a week before our arrival, and were more plentiful 

 than usual, perhaps on account of the great amount of shallow water 

 exposed. 



Black Duck (Anas superciliosa). — Abundant, but not numerous in 

 the lower reaches of the estuary, the haunt of the Mountain-Ducks. 

 This species preferred the fresh-water lakes, especially the margins 

 full of dead timber and the upper reaches of the estuary where the 

 banks were overhung by bushes. 



Green-headed Teal (Virago castanea). — Met with on several occasions 

 among flights of the next species. I was anxious to secure one of 

 this species in its grey plumage, and therefore weighed a number of 

 birds, as several writers have maintained that the two species may 

 be readily separated by this means. The following were the weights 

 recorded : — 19 ozs., i (grey) ; 18 ozs., 3 (two grey, one green-headed) ; 

 17 ozs., 5 (four grey, one green-headed) ; 16 ozs., o ; 15 ozs., 2 (grey) ; 



