14



Correspondence



up near roof. The outside flight was 4 ft. 6 in. by 4 ft. 6 in. by 3 feet, and

covered with 4 in. netting on front and sides, with the top portion covered

in. The outside portion was raised from the ground some 2 ft. 6 in. with

wooden floor, covered with zinc, and was accessible for feeding and cleaning

from the back portion.


Now, to return to the real subject—the birds soon settled down to their

new quarters, and on the second day (12th January), one pair had commenced

to build their nest (built with hay and dried grass) : the nest-boxes were

6 by 6 by 6 inches, with small opening near top of the front portion,

and were well filled with the nesting materials, so much so that it was almost

impossible to see what was really happening. However, on the morning of

17th January, curiosity could hold out no longer, and on close examination

of the nest I was able to discern one egg (wdiite), and on each of the three

following mornings a further egg was found, making four in all.


Having succeeded this far, I did not interfere with the nest again, but

noted the date of commencement of incubation as 20th January; the birds

sat consistently, and each morning when entering the aviary, I noticed the

hen leave the nest, and the cock bird immediately flew to the nest-box, and

Avould allow r no one near. After a very anxious wait, imagine my delight,

when on the morning of 2nd February, I heard a faint squeak, and a few

mornings later it was evident the family had increased to at least three.


I did not take down the nest-box while the young were being reared,

and it was on 23rd February the first bird left the nest, the plumage being a

dusky green, without any of the bright marking of the adult birds. This was a

fine healthy youngster, and seemed quite strong in flight—this bird was

followed by three others, fine healthy youngsters, tw T o days later

(25th February), and all w 7 ere fed by both adults, but Avere able to feed

themselves in about ten days.


These notes, so far, have dealt Avith only one pair—the other two pairs

settled down equally well, but as the nest-boxes were more difficult to get at,

I did not deem it advisable to interfere, but am pleased to say that each

nest turned out three healthy youngsters (3rd and 6th March respectively.).


The adult birds soon settled doAvn again to nest building, but unfortunately

mice marred the success of the second round, and on entering the aviary one

morning I found the remains of eight youngsters, which episode closes part two.


Part three was equally as successful as part one, and from the three

nests nine young were reared, leaving the nests towards the end of April.

(Unfortunately record of dates has been lost).


Feeding .—These birds seemed quite easy to cater for—canary, white

and spray millet, with plenty of grass in flower—the latter two items were

greatly relished by the youngsters and they Avere indeed a pretty sight to

Avatch feeding from the bunches of grass seeds hung in various parts of the

aviary—fresh water w r as given each morning, and the birds, young and old,

always enjoyed their bath.


All the birds thrived well until the middle of June, when they sickened

and died off in about a week. This in my opinion was due to the weather

at this time being extremely Avet and foggy. After commencing the season

so well, a really sad ending—nevertheless, I hope these few notes will encourage

others (Avhen birds are available) to try their luck.





I



6 Marsden Avenue,

Mount Eden.



E. V. Clay.



