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Correspondence.



found them exceedingly shy ; they refused to look at a mealworm, but succumbed

to a very fine wire smeared with bird-lime. In my recent notes I remarked on

the shyness of this species and pointed out how remarkable it was that it should

frequently become so familiar in the breeding season. A well-known ornitholo¬

gist, writing recently in a well-known Monthly, describes how he saw one on a

small island off our east coast. Apparently he yearned to slay it but the Black-

start was too wide awake for him. He says :—“ On Oct. lltli I had a good view

with binoculars of a Black Redstart sitting * (?) on a wall. I had two more

views of it at about a hundred yards but it was very wild and would not permit

a near approach.”


Well done, little Blackstart ! I strongly recommend you to adopt the

same policy again the next time you meet any ornithologist. Look out for

aviculturists too: they are not much better. W. E. TESCHEMAKER.



BREEDING OF THE BLUE BUDGERIGAR IN ENGLAND.


SIR, — My hen went to nest on Monday, Oct. 21st, 1912 ; she slept in the

log for the first time on Oct. 31st and sat very steadily. I did not look in the

log but left her entirely alone, as I do not believe in interfering with nesting

birds. On Nov. 20th I heard young in the nest (Nov. 29tli, temperature in

aviary 32o ; Nov. 30th, temperature 2Soj. I first saw the young on Thursday,

Dec. 12th ; two fine birds which left the log on Dec. 31st and are now flying.


My aviary is an unheated outside structure facing north and east.


1 have received some valuable help and information from the well-known

specialist, Mr, J. Dewhurst. C. PELHAM SUTTON.



RAIN QUAILS.


SIR,—I bought three Rain Quails in the summer—one cock and two hens.

I have no outdoor aviaries here. Do you think they are likely to breed in a run

6 feet long by 4 feet wide and 1 foot high, and could I put them out in the grass

by the middle of March ? They are at present in a cage in my sitting-room and

seem most content and happy.


I should much like to get them to breed but fear this run may not be large

enough for a pair. I should be most grateful for your advice, and I hope you

will forgive this long letter. HELEN ATHERLEY.


[Rain Quails would not be very likely to breed successfully in the small

run you describe. Eggs might be laid, but the hen would probably refuse to sit.

They want a place three or four times the size, with long tussocky grass.


You would be wise to wait until April before putting the birds out.—ED.



An odd thing for the bird to do, especially in October. W.E.T.



