Capt. R. Waud—Breeding Results at Bradley Court. 287


They are still very keen on sitting on them, and have been doing so

now for over six weeks. When the birds begin to think of nesting

they get very savage, and one has to be careful when going into their

paddock, as the cock goes for one at once. During the non-breeding

season a grey-necked Crown Crane lives with them, but they fight

him so badly when they wish to nest that I have to remove him to

the wallaby paddock, and he lives there in comfort with them.


The Ducks: I have only reared one Mandarin, now full grown and

full winged : it is a great joy to see it flying round and returning to the

pond. All the Carolina eggs were clear. Of the Falcated I have only

reared three young ones : these I had to pinion, as they never stay

when full winged. No other Ducks laid this year ; I put it down to

the very severe frosts and cold we had in the late spring and then the

intensely hot, dry weather after it.


The aviary birds were also unsuccessful. One pair of Gouldians

had four nests : they began very early in the spring, but only one

young one has been reared. I must say I think they are old birds, as

I have had them some years and I fancy they were not very young

when I bought them. The Bichenos have spent much time building,

but with no results. The Ruficaudas have had two nests : the first

nest had two good young ones and the second nest had three : all are

flying now in the aviary. The Jungle Fowls Mr. Ezra very kindly gave

me have been delightful about the place. The two hens nested and

had five chicks with one hen and seven chicks with the other ; but

unfortunately, as soon as the chicks were hatched, they took them off

into the woods, and I fear all the chicks were killed by foxes, which

abound round here. Lately the Jungle Fowls have lived in the

woods, I expect finding plenty of food there, but I hope later on

they will return to the garden again where they are fed.


The most delightful birds I keep in the house, the chief one being

an Indian Sprosser Mr. Ezra kindly gave me some years ago. He is a

magnificent songster, and begins to sing quite early in the winter.

Many people think the song too loud, but I personally love it. He is

perfectly tame, and takes anything out of my hand ; also resents

my taking out his perches to clean and soak in cold water ; he flies

on to my hand and then begins to fight it.



