t04 BIRDS IN MY GARDEN. 



In the early winter they are in splendid plumage, but by September many look the worse for 

 wear, having broken tail feathers and discoloured plumage. 



After eating their fill of liver the birds play about on the lawns and flower beds, frolicking like 

 young lambs ; a few genuine fights occur, when feathers fly in all directions ; but, as a rule, the games 

 are harmless to themselves and amusing, though causing a good deal of damage to flowers and small 

 plants. In fact, I found it necessary to place wire netting over many of the plants as a protection. 



Occasionally a bird picks a leaf or flower and runs off with it, closely pursued by half a dozen 

 mates. When collared (as we say in football) the flower carrier turns on to its back, and still holding 

 fast to its prize defies, with claws in air, anyone to take it. A general scrimmage then takes place, 

 birds from all parts of the garden flying in to take part. The leaf or flower being torn to pieces, the 

 game ends. 



It is most interesting to watch the Magpies digging for grubs when the ground is moist after a 

 shower. The croquet lawn appears to be the favourite resort of a large white grub which greatly 

 disfigures the surface by throwing up small mounds of soil. As many as a dozen birds may commence 

 operations by watching the grass most intently, usually with head turned to one side. Of a sudden 

 a dash is made, a hole bored or dug, and a fine juicy grub carefully withdrawn, banged on the 

 ground once or twice, and then eaten. A mistake is very seldom made, though at times the hole 

 is three inches deep. I have watched most carefully through a powerful pair of glasses, but never 

 observed the slightest movement of the surface. How the bird locates a grub three inches under 

 ground is a mystery to me. Great care is exercised in drawing the grub out of its hole, at times a 

 gentle strain being kept on for a couple of seconds. 



After one of these grub hunts the lawn presents quite a dilapidated appearance — holes punched 

 everywhere, while grass and roots are scattered broadcast. However, I prefer this state to the 

 unsightly worm casts. 



As soon as the warm weather comes I cease feeding the Magpies, when many of them leave the 

 garden and take up their abode for a time about the butcher's boiling-down plant, where they 

 presently assume a very greasy and disreputable appearance. During summer time all the birds 

 obtain their natural food from the grass paddocks, frequently returning to the shady trees in the 

 garden during the heat of the day. 



During November, 191 7, the Magpies developed a new habit, viz., that of roosting on the house, 

 especially on the spouting round the balconies. 



Upwards of 20 birds availed themselves of this novel roost, though plenty of suitable trees are in 

 the vicinity. 



About 4.30 a.m. the birds began to sing in chorus, and kept it up for more than an hour before 

 starting away to feed, much to the disgust of the occupants of the adjoining bedrooms. About 

 7 p.m. the birds retired to the roof, but made sudden, short, sharp flights around until 7.20; when 

 their last song was heard. During the night one often heard some of the more restless birds moving 

 on the iron spouting. 



In December several young Magpies were seen on the lawns, their feeding by the old birds being 

 very amusing at times. A large biscuit dropped on a path by a child was carried by a parent bird 

 to its young one on the lawn ; after being carefully broken into small pieces the biscuit was fed *n 

 the juvenile until the latter became fairly crammed with the dry food and would take no more. 



Next in point of numbers comes the Currawang (Strepera graculina), who is not a welcome, though 

 interesting, guest. Appearing in great numbers during April, when the white cedar berries begin 

 to turn yellow, this bird remains until the late spring, disappearing from the garden then to breed 

 in the mountains. 



