82 THE LYRE BIRD : SOME NESTING NOTES. 



On the 30th July the young bird was found hatched, but the parent was absent from 9 till nearly 

 11.30 a.m., after which she visited the nest at intervals of about half-an-hour until the observer left 

 between 2 and 3 p.m. Although she was obviously engaged in feeding the young bird on each visit, 

 and was in full view at a distance of a few feet, no sign of food in her bill could be detected, nor was she 

 seen to clean the nest. 



On 13th August an interesting note was made. On going to the nest, the young bird, then about 

 a fortnight old, was found standing stiffly erect, in such a manner that its body was above the level of 

 the nest opening, and pressed against the inside of the dome-shaped roof. In this position, even a 

 careful scrutiny would only reveal two dark stick-like legs, and anyone seeing this remarkable attitude 

 could only conclude that it was another example of nature's protection of the helpless. 



On the last-mentioned date the young bird was removed from the nest and photographed (Plate viii.) 

 the parent being in such a state of excitement the while that she would venture within a few feet of the 

 observer. During the whole time she kept up a running fire of calls, whistles, and peculiar throaty 

 noises, accompanied by the young bird in a series of squeaks. The combined noises created quite a 

 volume of sound, which increased when the young bird temporarily escaped and had to be chased 

 through the undergrowth. He was recaptured and replaced in the nest, and, contrary to experience 

 with many other species, quietly remained there. The tent and camera were packed up, the birds 

 ceased calling, and five minutes later all was quiet. 



At no time during the period the nest was under observation was the male Lyre Bird either seen 

 or heard. 



Twelve months later (22nd July, 1917), Lyre Birds were calling in the same locality. 



