Geological Survey of Canterbury. 37 



was the common Kaka (Nestor meridionali-s) , whilst the other as to size, 

 plumage, and habits, appeared to be intermediate to the two former 

 species. As I had never seen the description of N. Esslingii I thought 

 that this bird might be this species of which then only one specimen 

 was known. However when my friend Dr. W. L. Buller examined a 

 skin sent to him he found that this was not the case, but that it was a 

 new species or variety which he named Nestor montanus. This bird is 

 more brilliantly coloured than the common Kaka, moreover its flight is 

 different and resembles more that of the Kea. I have seen it soar 

 high in the air, drawing large circles like the former. Its notes are 

 also peculiar, and as I had an opportunity to observe, it builds its nest 

 in holes high amongst inaccessible crags. The Keas as usual came 

 down to the fire, or perched on the tent poles ; when sitting a 

 few paces from us on the ground, we sometimes threw stones at them, 

 when they simply jumped up so as to let the stones pass below them. 

 On one occasion four of these Keas were sitting on a Fagits tree not 

 far from our tent, when a large Quail hawk, Hieracidea Novce ZealandicB 

 passed by. They all at once with loud screams went in pursuit, the 

 hawk wuth a shriek of terror, tried to place himself out of their reach 

 and flew as fast as he could ; after awhile, the Keas unable to get near 

 it, returned to their former resting place. I secured a number of skins 

 of this rare alpine bird, and may here observe that its flesh is very dark 

 and has a peculiar aromatic taste with a flavour of resin. In the 

 smaller water-courses were numbers of Mountain ducks (Hymenolcemus 

 malacorhynchus) , which with Paradise ducks (Oasarca variegata), Scaups 

 (Fuligula Novce Zealandice), and others obtained on the lagoons or 

 along the creeks, formed a welcome addition to our stock of provisions. 



However, the most interesting inhabitant of these Alpine regions is 

 a very large bird of prey, with crepuscular and nocturnal habits, which 

 visited our camp, first on the evening of April the 6th, when we were 

 sitting round the fire. For a short time previously we heard the 

 flapping of its wings, which became every second more audible. For a 

 moment it sat down close to us, but before we could reach the gun. it 

 rose and disappeared. I can only compare its flight with that of the 

 New Zealand Harrier, and as far as we could estimate its size, it 

 appeared to be as large as a good sized eagle. On the evening of 

 the 8th, when occupied with the writing of my journal by candle 

 light, the same bird flew against the tent with considerable force, and 

 then settled on the ground at no great distance from it. A chance 

 shot had, however, not the desired effect. As will be seen during the 



