192 Captain IP. S. Stokes—The President’s Party, 1933



is absolutely essential for the winter months. Even in winter my birds

used to fly out into the outside flight, but. only for exercise, and they

did not stay out long. They were the most intelligent birds I have

ever kept, and always seemed to know what was good for them. No

birds will ever take their place with me.


Since writing the above, Mr. Webb has just brought me two Bee-

eaters of the same species from East Africa. They are in splendid

condition, and live on mealworms alone at present. As soon as they

are turned out in the outdoor aviary they will take to catching flies

and other insects. I have turned them out in a small aviary inside

my bird room, and in two days they have already got used to taking

mealworms on the wing. Up to now they took them from a feeding

tin placed near the perch in their cage. They never seem to drink.

I hope they will do as well as the last lot, and needless to say I am

delighted to have some of these delightful birds again.



THE PRESIDENT’S PARTY, 1933


By Captain H. S. Stokes


On Saturday, 27th May, some eighty members visited Foxwarren to

see again all the birds and beasts, and to enjoy once more the kindly

hospitality of our president and Mrs. Ezra.


Unfortunately, for the second year in succession the rain teemed

down unceasingly, and therefore the birds could not be examined so

closely as many of us would have liked, but nevertheless it was a most

pleasant party and reunion.


Although the birds at Foxwarren are always beautifully kept

and in glorious condition, yet much extra work had been done in pre¬

paration for the party by Jones and Shearing, Mr. Ezra’s two head

bird men, and it was disappointing for them not to be able to display

the fruits of their labour under sunny conditions.


As I was staying with Mr. Ezra for the week-end I may perhaps

emphasize one or two of the main features of the aviaries this year.



