80 [page number] 
[7.7.49] The nest was straightened and repaired 
as best I could the eggs dried, "polished" 
and replaced. It was an unusual 
date, an unusual situation and build 
of unusual materials for a SPOTLESS CRAKE. 
Bruce immediately went off to search the 
tussocks where they usually build, leaving 
me to watch. A bird came out, 
walked along the sight-line a yard and 
was off again into the reeds - perhaps two 
seconds. A little later a bird "flopped 
out" into the clearing and back into the 
reeds like a flash. And once more 
a birds beady eye was seen for a 
moment. Bruce returned having 
found nothing more of interest. 
We left after two hours, with 
perhaps four seconds sight of a small 
black bird - and Bruce tells me that 
is "good watching" for Crakes! 
24.7.49 At 9.30 on a beautiful Sunday 
(19) morning I set out with Michael to 
survey a swamp at Gerangamete 
