BIRDS IN MY GARDEN. 107 



Swallows roosting in bunches, but proved the fact at length. Each of the three species breeds here, 

 the white-browed in vast numbers at times, almost every bush, stump, or post being utilised as a 

 nesting site. The Harmonious Thrush, one of our most delightful songsters, but of a retiring nature, 

 and seldom seen in numbers, nests in a juniper tree close to my office. It is a mystery why a bird 

 like the Thrush does not increase in numbers ; it is encouraged everywhere, but shows no noticeable 

 increase such as exhibited by the Magpie, Raven, and other birds. 



Two species of Butcher Birds are among my guests. The Grey birds (Craclicus destructor) live 

 here during winter, frequently sharing the Magpie's food. They probably breed within the enclosure. 

 While the small native birds do not appear to fear the " butcher," the imported Sparrow is in mortal 

 dread of him, and often falls a victim. Some two years ago I noted quite a number of sparrows 

 hanging by the neck in forks of a shrub which was evidently used as a larder by the Butcher family. 

 The Black and White Butcher Bird [C. nigrigularis) is not a regular visitor, but occasionally its 

 beautiful clear note is heard. During the winter of 1915 two pairs lived here and shared the Magpies' 

 food. 



Thickheads and Whitefaces breed regularly, the last named generally in the very early spring 

 in artificial nesting sites. 



Zosterops, Dica?um and I'ardalotes (two species) turn up very regularly, the last named nesting 

 in my artificial spouts or in the weep holes of a brick retaining wall. 



Of a number of Honey Eaters noted, the most interesting is the Blue-faced (Entomyza cyanotis) 

 who comes along pretty regularly when the coral tree (Erythrina) blooms. A curious habit with 

 these birds, and one I have not seen previously recorded, is that several times during the day small 

 parties, after a lot of chattering, settle for a moment on high trees about 200 yards apart, then with 

 loud cries charge in the air ; a very short fight(?) ensues, and both parties return to their respective 

 feeding places. 



The Oriole {Oriulus Sagittarius), one of our best mimics, is partial to figs, and puts in an appearance 

 every year. A visitor that I always encourage is the Satin Bower Bird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus), a 

 few appearing during winter months, but never a full-plumaged male. At the present time there 

 are four in the garden, living chiefly on berries, though seedlings and herbage are not overlooked. 

 The natural note of the bird is unpleasant, being a sort of loud hiss, but occasionally some fine 

 imitations of other birds are given, though the tone is low. 



A dense creeper close to my office is a favourite place, one or more birds playing about in it, and 

 giving the imitation calls for an hour at a time, while they dance along a horizontal branch. 



In the spring of 191 5 I had hopes of a pair breeding, as they commenced to build a bower, a sure 

 sign amongst the family (Ptilonorhynchidae) that courting has begun ; however, the birds left soon 

 after without my expectation being realized. 



Last, but by no means least in matter of importance, is the Raven, who is plentiful but shy and 

 extremely wary. 



So much uncertainty exists about the Raven and Crow that I have been to some pains to prove 

 identification of the local bird. Our Pastures Protection Board pays a bouns upon " Crow " heads, 

 about 2400 being received per annum. 



I have had an opportunity of examining many of these, received reports upon others, and have 

 not been able to find a solitary " Crow " ; the heads have all been taken from Ravens (Corone australis). 

 The bird may do some good as an insect destroyer, but this is far outweighed by his destructiveness ; 

 many hundreds of sheep are annually killed, while the loss of lambs runs into thousands. 



In my opinion the greatest pests sheepowners have to contend with are Blowflies, Dingoes, Foxes, 

 and Crows. Very many useful birds are robbed of their eggs and young by the Raven. Bushmen, as 

 a rule, hate the black fiend, but we read of some of the early explorers not disdaining a Crow stew 

 when provisions ran short, Personally, I would go very close to starvation before tackling the Raven, 



