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Evelyn Sprawson — Hard-hearted Hannah



of freshwater pools containing many varieties of tropical plants, the

most noticeable being the beantifnl bine water lily. These pools were

inhabited by various species of fish and terrapins. This would be an

ideal place for tropical waders. As the aviary had only recently been

completed it had few inhabitants, also it is very difficult to get imported

birds in Bermuda. This fine aviary had been built by Mr. Mowbray

and his son, and these gentlemen also owned several other interesting

birds, including several Macaws which were at liberty in the grounds

and in perfect condition and also a female Cocos Island Tropic Bird

which they had kept for two years and which was in very good condition.

A great feat surely to keep such a difficult bird for so long a time.

Although full-winged the bird made no attempt to get away.



HARD-HEARTED HANNAH


An Experience with the Brown-headed Marsh Troupial

(Agelceus frontalis)


By Evelyn Sprawson, M.C., D.Sc., etc.


Although in our Magazine it should be entirely unnecessary to say

so, it is perhaps best, at the outset, to affirm the veracity of what

follows.


In the autumn of 1923 or 1924 (wireless enthusiasts with a love of

jazz will be able to date it correctly from later evidence) I purchased

a pair of birds which were new to me, and turned out to be Brown¬

headed Marsh Troupials ; and, about the same time, a pair of Green

Cardinals.


The Troupial may be described as a small seed-eating Starling, said

to come from Eastern Brazil and other parts of South America ; the

male is glossy blue black with a bright chestnut crown and throat,

a rather pleasing bird, and the female, which is slightly smaller, a

neat but quietly coloured brown bird ; they have rather long, sharply

pointed, wedge-shaped beaks.


These four birds were kept together for the winter in a large 5 ft.



