A. F. Moody—Notes on the Birds at Lilford, 1930 and 1931 49’’



semi-liberty, was their cleverness and perseverance in stalking

Chaffinches. Usually they approached with stealthy steps, neck held

high, and eyes focussed upon the quarry. Sometimes a luckless victim

would be caught. More often patience went unrewarded.


On being transferred lately to a pool aviary, where they are shut

into a shed at night, this trio still retain their wealth of plumes 1 and

snow-white purity.


The Black-billed Tree Ducks (Dendrocygna arhorea) received from

a private source, are charming birds, extremely tame, and apparently

hardy enough to stay out of doors during any but the worst weather.


Equally pleasing are the dainty little Maned Geese, scarcely larger

than a Wigeon. These wander about, utter their peculiar barking cry,

and seem ever pleased to see one. The Orinocos too (Chenalopex

juhata) are attractive. Conspicuous amongst other waterfowl by

their foxy plumage, upright carriage, and bright red sealing-wax-like

legs, they appear to require some protection during their first winter

and are for the present being slept under cover with some half-hardy

Tree Ducks.


Should the weather become severe, the Magpie Geese (Anseranas

melanoleuca) also may be favoured in this way. These curious birds

indeed, are natives of Australia, and I understand of recent years

have rarely been imported. Our examples are remarkably tame ; they

follow one about like a dog, take food from the hand, and are very

conspicuous by their black and white plumage, long orange-yellow

legs, and partially webbed feet.


One other bird much admired by ornithologists visiting the collection

during the past two years is a female Montague’s Harrier (Circus

cineraceus). Said to be a species difficult to maintain in perfect plumage

and condition in confinement, I have always as an ex-falconer, thought

that given the care and attention so necessary to the smaller and more

delicate Hawks, that the Harriers might prove more satisfactory ; the

result being, the example in question has responded to this treatment

and, although kept loose in an aviary, continues to be fairly steady,

sleek, and in faultless feather.


1 The well-known aigrettes or “ ospreys ” at one time so much in demand

by ladies.



