116 
The Queensland Naturalist 
August, 1938 
lie is off with a “whirr” so that any accurate observation 
or close study regarding his habits appears to be out of 
the question. The Peaceful Dove is fairly common, al- 
though not as plentiful as his introduced Indian relative, 
of which the less said the better. The Curlew or Stone 
Plover can be disturbed occasionally during the day, but 
is mostly heard at night in the open paddocks adjoining 
the range. Only two birds of prey have been definitely 
identified, the Nankeen Kestrel and the Brown Hawk. 
Experiences of night observing in search of nocturnal 
birds of prey have been disappointing, the Boobook Owl 
being the only species definitely identified. Due allow- 
ance must be made, however, for the writer’s inexperience 
in this branch of ornithology, which is a test of skill for 
even the best of bird men. Incidentally the reserve is not 
without its Marsupial population, this conclusion being 
forced upon the writer in no uncertain manner by sundry 
grunts, howls, and other indescribable noises which could 
not by any stretch of imagination be attributed to any 
species of night flying bird. 
Strangely enough, three species of Rosella — the East- 
ern Crimson, and Pale-Headed — are to be found in the 
reserve, the local species, the Pale-Headed, being the com- 
monest, No other species of Parrots have been observed, 
with the exception of the Lorikeets, which I have classified 
as nomadic, to be dealt with later. The Tawny Frogmouth 
is to be found on the range, but his method of camouflage 
is so effective that only the experienced eye can locate 
him. This cannot be said of the Dollar Bird, who seems 
only too anxious to advertise himself and his nesting site. 
However, as he invariably nests in the most inaccessible 
places, all his antics and weird cackling may not be as 
foolish as they appear to be at first sight. 
Four species of Kingfisher — the Kookaburra, Sacred, 
Forest and Azure — are all well represented. Apparently 
“Old Jack’s” outbursts of ribald mirth are not confined 
to the daylight hours. At times he is overcome with his 
sense of humour after darkness has set in, and the results 
can more than favourably compare with the best efforts 
of the Curlew, Boobook Owl, Koel Cuckoo and other noc- 
turnal disturbers of the peace. This also applies to the 
Sacred, and possibly the Forest Kingfisher, as the piping 
of one of these birds can sometimes be heard at night. I 
have caught the Sacred in the act, but am not cer- 
tain of the Forest, Both nest in termites’ mounds, and 
are very vicious in defending their home. The Azure 
Kingfisher is a mysterious creature who darts along the 
surface of the creek with his shrill piping cry. 
