no BIRDS OF THE DISTRICT OF GEELONG 
Lakes, but in very small numbers. In its conspicuous 
and stately appearance lies the chief danger to the 
species, for it is very apt, in spite of its being protected 
all the year round, to be shot on sight, sometimes 
simply to gratify curiosity to find out what it is. 
This could be done just as well with a good pair of 
field-glasses, and the bird's life spared to perpetuate 
its interesting kind, and give pleasure to other ob- 
servers. As for the argument one sometimes hears, 
" Well, if I hadn't shot it, some one else would," it 
is unworthy of a man who considers his influence and 
example worth anything, and whose is not ? 
The White Egret has a short, dagger-like bill, 
yellowish in the winter and black in summer. There 
are specimens of each phase in the National Museum, 
Melbourne. On the back the bird carries a short 
train of white plumes. Mr. J. F. Mulder has a pair 
of specimens, one obtained at Fyansford and the 
other near the Gut. Connewarre shooters say there 
are usually a few on the Lake every year ; there were 
two on Lake Reedy in June, 191 2. On May 17th 
of the same year, Mr. Hugh Riordan noted a fine 
example on the bank of the Barwon at the bridge ; 
it was standing close to a Blue Crane, so that the 
difference of 5 inches in height, in the Egret's favour, 
could be well seen. Nesting in colonies in the Riverina, 
these birds probably only come south in autumn and 
winter. 
