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W. H. Workman—Two Tame Birds



The Skylark is very common in the open country, and except perhaps

in grain-growing areas and in market gardens does very little damage.

This bird was presumably introduced for sentimental reasons and,

personally, I consider it an acquisition. Our farm lands, unavoidably

destitute of native bird-life, would undoubtedly be dreary indeed

without the Lark carolling about.


I once had a rather curious experience with a Skylark and, although

it has nothing to do with the present article, it may be of interest.

Crossing a paddock I discovered a Lark's nest containing three eggs,

which I decided to photograph. Dropping my hat near it to mark the

spot I returned home for a camera. On my return, some ten minutes

later, imagine my surprise to find the nest empty ! Searching the

immediate vicinity a Lark flew up and going to the spot I found an egg

quite intact. About 12 yards from the nest was a second egg, but

this was broken. The third was never recovered. Has anyone else

known Larks to remove their eggs to safety ? For I presume the

presence of my hat caused them grave concern.



TWO TAME BIRDS


By W. H. Workman


I wonder how many of our members have kept in their outside

aviaries really tame birds ; I mean by really tame embarrassingly

tame. Certainly, up till 1934, I never knew what a really tame bird

was like, until one day in the autumn of 1933 Lady Dunleath showed me

her Shama and G-olden-fronted Fruit Sucker. They were very tame,

sitting on her hand and eating mealworms from her fingers. I there

and then made up my mind that I would get one of each on the first

opportunity.


I asked Mr. Chapman to let me know when he had a really good

importation of the above species from India and sure enough in April

I heard from him and eventually received a beautiful Shama and

Fruit Sucker, thinking these two would agree in a very large flight cage

till the weather was warm enough to put them in one of the aviaries.

I put them together : for a day or so all was well, till “ Jimmy ", the



