BIRDS IN MY GARDEN. 

 By HENRY L. WHITE, of Belltrees, Scone, New South Wales. 



Probably in no other place in New South Wales are as many birds to be seen on an equal area 

 as have been observed on the ten acres surrounding " Belltrees House." on the Upper Hunter 

 River. 



This area comprises flower beds, lawns and shrubbery, containing a considerable number of native 

 cucalvpts. and on it 104 species of birds have been noted. A complete list may not be of much 

 interest, so 1 shall confine mv remarks to the more interesting birds. 



First place must be given to the common Magpie [Gymnor/tina libicen), it being a permanent 

 resident and present in large numbers. 



During the last three winters I have fed the .Magpies regularly upon liver, mv plan being to drive 

 a long nail through an old box cover, the cover is laid Hat with the nail protruding, ami a whole 

 bullock's liver is placed on it. 



The birds are led three times every week, the quantity of meat they consume being remarkable. 



The establishment here being a large one we kill regularlv. and I am thus enabled to keep up 

 a supply of liver for my pets. 



In order to protect the meat from cats, the board is covered every night ; early in the morning 

 I remove the cover, and within a minute the board is surrounded by birds who had just previously 

 welcomed me with a chorus. Very few quarrels occur during meal time. About fifty Magpies are 

 fed regularlv. few of them appearing to breed. 



Black-backed Magpies (Gymnorhina libicen) feeding on bullock's liver. 

 Photo, by Sid. \Vm. Jackson. 



