^0 White, An Ornithological Cruise. [znd'o'ct. 



An Ornithological Cruise Among the Islands of 

 St. Vincent and Spencer Gulfs, S.A. 



By (Capt.) S. a. White, M.B.O.U., President R.A.O.U. 

 Part II. 

 On 2oth April, 1916, the Avocet again put to sea in the interests 

 of scientific ornithological research. The party consisted of 

 Messrs. A. G. and E. S. Rymill, Mr. Robertson, Dr. Morgan, Mr. 

 E. R. Waite (Director of the South Australian ^luseum), and the 

 writer. The Messrs. Rymill had most kindly invited us to finish 

 our work amongst the remaining islands ; but, unfortunately, 

 owing to the severe weather conditions, this could not be carried 

 out. 



Owing to unavoidable delays, it was nearly dark before the 

 mooiings were cast off and we made down the Port Adelaide River, 

 bringing up in an arm after dark in four fathoms of water. The 

 glass had been going down all day, and thundery conditions 

 showed very plainly that there was trouble ahead. Not long 

 after dropping anchor the wind rose. Later on, rain squalls 

 broke over us and continued all night. Next morning the vessel 

 was under weigh at an early hour, steaming down the river in 

 the face of heavy rain squalls, and we brought up at the Outer 

 Harbour for breakfast. We stood across the Gulf in the teeth 

 of a strong westerly blow, reached Yorke Peninsula at 3.30 p.m., 

 and anchored under the lee of the land for dinner ; later, we stood 

 down the coast, and when the wind moderated some sea- 

 dredging was done. Mr. Edgar R. Waite, the well-known 

 authority upon marine life, secured many specimens, and all the 

 party was much interested in the wonderful objectsi, brought up 

 from the sea-bed ; they were far too numerous to mention in 

 detail. Just at dark we made the port of Stansbury, which is 

 really a small bay sheltered from the west, and on its shores a 

 small settlement has been formed. We passed a quiet night, and 

 by daylight next morning were on the move again. A stiff breeze 

 from the west soon set in, and in the afternoon anchor was dropped 

 under the shelter of Cape Yorke in four fathoms of water over 

 sand and weed. Dr. Morgan, Mr. Waite, and the writer were 

 landed. Leaving my two companions to search for insects, I 

 walked back from the coast for about two miles, and found the 

 country had not recovered from a severe bush-fire. Very few 

 birds were seen ; those identified were the White-backed Magpie, 

 Ground-Lark, White-fronted Chat, Silver-eye, and the Shepherd's 

 Companion (Black-and- White Fantail). A few botanical speci- 

 mens were collected. Returning to the coast, both the White- 

 breasted and Pied Cormorants were seen. Two Hooded Dottrels 

 were taken, and Dr. Morgan found their temperatures to be 

 100'' F. Silver Gulls and Crested Terns were seen. Upon 

 returning to the yacht it was found that the fishennen of the 

 party had paid the rocky headland a visit in one of the ship's boats 



