39 [page number] 
[16.8.47] GOLDFINCHES in small flocks but more than one 
became accustomed to in England, while the 
SKYLARKS were soaring and singing. SWALLOWS 
appeared to be on the increase but no definite 
movement was noted. YELLOW-TAILED THORNBILLS 
were seen by nearly every young plantation at the 
roadside. A solitary SHELDUCK by Bleak House was 
feeding in a marsh and a KESTREL was 
seen, just as its English counterpart, hovering 
over a paddock. STARLINGS, though seen 
frequently, were never in large flocks - perhaps 
it is not now the season. A WHITE-FRONTED CHAT 
surprised me by appearing at Armytage on 
the road side and there was another one by 
Lara though that was nearer where I remember 
them. In both places the sides of the road 
were sodden. Just going into WERRIBEE a 
flock of BLACK-FACED CUCKOO-SHRIKES flew over the 
road - extremely handsome birds. As soon as 
Melbourne came - Footscray cemetery - the TURTLE- 
DOVES appeared, the SWANS were by the Old 
Swamp Road and finally the INDIAN MINAHS 
could be seen in large flocks, particularly 
by the river in Toorak. A drive along the 
Esplanade showed the SILVER GULLS 
