^"Igf^"] Bird Observers' Club. 201 



South Australian Ornithological Association. 



The monthly meeting of the South Australian Ornithological Association was 

 held in the Royal Society's rooms, Adelaide, on 29th November, 19 12. The 

 president, Mr. Edwin Ashby, was in the chair. In answer to a request from a 

 resident of Kangaroo Island it was resolved that a suggestion be made that 

 Dacelo leacJiii or D. cervina be introduced into the island. Mr. H. E. Lafifer 

 showed specimens from Roseworthy of Ncophema elegans, Glycyphila 

 albifrons (a new locality for this bird), Rhipidiira albiscapa, Cinclorhamphus 

 rufescetis, and Maluries assi/iitlis. Mr. M. S. Clark exhibited heads of the 

 Wandering Albatross {Dioinedea exulans) and Sooty Albatross {Phccbetria 

 fttligmosa), and Dr. A. M. Morgan sterna of an Albatross, Prion, Tern, and 

 Plover, the three latter showing a striking similarity. Mr. Edwin Ashby 

 exhibited specimens of Malurus pulcJierrimus and M. ele^a?is, recently 

 received from Western Australia, M. lamberti^ collected by himself early in 

 November in the Richmond Ranges (N.S.W.), and a series of M. assimilis, 

 from South Australia, showing distinct variations in the blue shades. Mr. 

 Ashby also showed specimens of Malurus nielatiocephahis and M. cya?to- 

 c/ilamys, both collected during the present month in the Richmond Ranges 

 (N.S.W.) It was pointed out that the northern form of the latter species, 

 as indicated by Dr. Sharpe, is much paler than the form inhabiting South 

 Australia and Victoria. Skins of the southern form, M. cyaneus^ and 

 M. crue/itaius were also shown for comparison. Mr. F. Robert Zietz ex- 

 hibited, from the South Australian Museum collection, a series of the follow- 

 ing Petrels : — Oceanites oceanicus, Pela^odroma maritui, Puffinus leucoiiielas, 

 P. chloror/iy/ichus, P. griscus, P. teiiuirostris (and an albino), QLstrelata 

 neglecta, Macronectes gzgantca, Prion vittatus^ P. banksi, P. ariel. 



Bird Observers^ Club. 



The monthly meeting of the Bird Observers' Club was held on Wednesday 

 evening, 21st August, at the Mia-Mia Tea Rooms, Collins-street. Mr. D. Le 

 Souef, C.M.Z.S., occupied the chair. A letter was read from Major J. M. 

 Semmens, Chief Inspector of Fisheries and Game, stating what action he 

 had taken with regard to the complaints about illegal shooting of game 

 during the close season. Mr. F. E. Wilson read extracts from the Daily 

 Mail of 13th July, 1912, concerning the work being done by Mr. James 

 Buckland in bird protection. The chairman stated that he had posted 

 copies of Mr. Buckland's pamphlet on that subject to all the principal news- 

 papers in Australasia and New Zealand, to members of the Federal and 

 State Parliaments, and to other persons likely to be interested in the 

 subject. The result of the ballot in connection with the proposed new rules 

 for the Club was made known. After considerable discussion it was decided 

 that the suggestions for which the majority had voted be adopted as new 

 rules. Mr. A. J. Campbell stated that at the last outing of the B.O.C. to 

 the haunts of the Lyre-Bird [Metiura victoria) only five members attended. 

 They had a delightful trip. Mr. Clarence Weber was unanimously elected 

 a member of the Club. Mr. A. J. Campbell, on behalf of Mr. H. L. White, 

 of Belltrees (N.S.W. ), exhibited the type specimen of the Lesser Satin 

 Bower-Bird (A mijior).^ described in Bulletin No. 3 of the R.A.O.U. The 

 skin was obtained in Deceinber, 1903. 



The "Murder-Bird." — I have just learnt that there is an 

 " expedition " now at the Stirling Ranges, W.A., trying to obtain 

 specimens of the " Murder-Bird." I forecast that it will prove 

 to be either Ninox connivens or one of the still larger Owls. I 

 was at the locality two years ago. — Tom Carter. 



