j1. XII. 



IQI3 



1 Hill, Ornithological Notes, Barclay Expedition. 23Q 



With the exception of a few light showers at AUce Springs, no 

 rain fell during the overland trip, nor did we see any indications 

 of rain having fallen recently in the desert north of Macdonnell 

 Ranges. As a consequence, the country was very dry, the 

 vegetation parched, and surface water scarce. Added to these 

 unfavourable conditions for ornithological work, we were 

 constantly on the move while travelling over the most interesting 

 parts on the route, leaving little time for collecting and preparing 

 specimens of any kind. No eggs were found until after our 

 arrival at Borroloola. 



Excepting at the bores, we saw very little bird-life until we 

 reached Dalhousie Station. At the bores Little Eagles {Eutol- 

 maeius morphnoides), Warbling Grass-Parrakeets {Melopsittacus 

 tmdulatus), Rose-breasted Cockatoos [Cacatua roseicapilla). 

 Yellow-banded Parrakeets {Barnardius zonaritis), Chestnut-eared 

 Finches {Tceniopygia castanotis), Pallid Honey-eaters {Ptilotis 

 leilavalensis and Crows {Corvus coronoides) were plentiful, 

 while Yellow-tinted Tree-Tits {Smicrornis flavescens). Crested 

 Pigeons {Ocyphaps lophotes). Tawny-shouldered Podargus {Podargus 

 slrigoides) were noticed in the scrubby country near the station. 



At Dalhousie Station there is a considerable area of swampy 

 country and several large springs, where water-fowl are said to be 

 very plentiful as a rule ; but at the time of our visit (13th 

 February) Ducks were somewhat scarce, although other water- 

 fowl were plentiful. The following birds were identified in this 

 locality : — Black Duck {Anas superciliosa). White-eyed Duck 

 {Aythya austnilis). Teal {Nettium castaneum). Mountain Duck 

 {Casarca tadornoides), Plumed Egret {Mesophoyx phiniifera). 

 White-fronted Heron {Notophoyx novcB-hollandicB), White Ibis 

 [Ihis molucca). Coot {Fnlica australis). Pied Cormorant [Phala- 

 crocorax hypoleucus). Purple-backed Wren [Maliirns assimilis). 

 Pied Robin {Petrceca picata). Red-capped Robin {Petraxa good- 

 e.novii), Black-and-WhiTe Fantail [RJiipidnra tricolor). Singing 

 Honey-eater {Ptilotis sonora), Pipit {Anthus australis), Crested 

 Pigeon {Ocyphaps lophotes), Crow {Corvus coronoides), and Little 

 Eagle {Eutolmaetus morphnoides). 



I was unable to ascertain the temperature of the water in the 

 large hot spring in the deeper parts, where Ducks, Coots, and 

 small fish were seen, but near the banks, at i foot from the surface, 

 a temperature of 110° F. was recorded ; at 6 feet from the banks, 

 and at i foot from the surface, the temperature rose to 112° F. 



Between Dalhousie and Charlotte Waters bird-life was very 

 scarce. Brown Hawks {Hieracidea berigora), Cockatoo-Parrakeets 

 {Calopsittaciis novcB-hollandice), Black-banded Whitefaces {Aphelo- 

 cephala nigricincta). Chestnut-backed Ground-Birds {Cinclosoma 

 castanonotmn), Black-faced Wood-Swallows {Artamns melanops). 

 Pipits {Anthus australis), and Chestnut-eared Finches {Tceniopygia 

 castanotis) were identified in this stony table-land country. 



At Charlotte Waters (20th February) the country was very 

 dry, and presented a very desolate appearance, but birds were 



