Vol. XII, 

 191J 



] Jackson, Haunts of the Spotted Bower-Bird. 87 



clusters of white blossoms, appearing very prettv indeed. The flowers 

 are not unlike small orange-blossoms. Found nest and eggs ot Brown 

 Flycatcher {Micrceca fascinans). and new nest of Pied Robin (Petrceca 

 pi cat a). 



2yth October. — Large flocks of White-bellied Wood-Swallows 

 {Artamus hypoleucus) seen. A pair of Wood-Ducks (Chenonetta jiibata) 

 flew into a coolibah. In every instance when I saw a Bower-Bird 

 carrying a twig it took it to the play-ground and placed it in the 

 foundations or in the sides or walls of same. Found nest of Wedge- 

 tailed Eagle, containing two Eaglets, in a dead coolibah. Green 

 cypress pines look very pretty and graceful on some of the sandy 

 parts Nest of Rose-breasted Cockatoo in a blood- wood. Saw some 

 Native Companions {Antigone australasiana) in company with sheep 

 near a dried-up bog-hole or warrainbool. Found nest of Pavdalotus 

 ornatus in hollow of dead coolibah, and bird sitting. 



2%th October. — Two Bower-Birds about camp early this morning, 

 carrying on some wonderful mimicry. One bird chased the other as 

 they were feeding in front of camp, and each time that one advanced 

 towards the other it ruffled its feathers and erected its lilac nape- 

 feathers fan fashion. The frill was opened and closed rapidly and 

 was beautiful as the sun shone upon it, and whilst thus displaying 

 it the bird moved its head up and down. Leaving the camp, they 

 flew up into a dead coolibah, and continued chasing one another. 

 I never saw them making this display so freely and continuously as 

 this. Probably it is an indication of the breeding season approaching. 

 Saw Chestnut-eared Finches {Tceniopygia castanotis) engaged in nest- 

 building. Found new nest of Crested Bell-Bird. Noticed number of 

 Emus feeding on plain west of camp. Took nest and two eggs of 

 Pseudogerygone iacksoni ; eggs slightly incvibated. Saw tree bearing 

 galls (not fruits) ; these are often collected bv the Bower-Birds and 

 placed in their play-grounds ; the tree, when cut, has a salmon-coloured 

 bark, and is known as Santalum lanceolatum, R Br. The mirage 

 across the plains to-day was very pronounced. Noticed many more 

 glass stoppers added to the decorations in No. i bower, also some small 

 coloured stones, &c. Both birds engaged. 



2gth October. — Crows and Ravens numerous. Visited No. 4 bower, 

 north of camp, but birds were absent, and 250 yards south-west of 

 this play-ground found a Bower-Bird busy building the foundation 

 of a nest in the top of a green budda tree (Eremophila mitchelli, Benth.) 

 I retreated at once, delighted. A boobialla tree (Myoporum 

 acuminatum, R. Br.), bearing the favourite berrv of these birds, stood 

 close by. 



T,oth October. — Came across nest, of new appearance, of Bower-Bird, 

 built in a clump of mistletoe (Loranthus linearifolius, Hook.) in the 

 top part of a beef-wood (Grevillea striata, R. Br.), and placed up 

 24 feet. Took nest (three eggs) of Yellow-throated Friar-Bird. Very 

 red sunset to-night. 



315^ October. — Strong wind blowing again, which renders it difficult 

 to cook food or to hear the notes of the birds. Mr. Bruce Doyle 

 called early. I walked out and showed him some of the fresher- 

 looking Bower-Birds' nests which I had under observation. Saw 

 Bower-Bird again feeding on the pink berries of a boobialla, and later 

 another bird joined in the feast. Probablv these birds breed when 

 this small fruit is ripe Found a perfect nest of a Bower-Bird, though 



