358 J. E. Sweetnam—Some Notes from a Somerset Aviary


The birds were given a good many mealworms and gentles while

feeding their young. The young bird, a fine healthy specimen, is

at present kept in a cage by himself. While I write this (5th July),

the old birds are incubating three eggs. I believe this is the first

time that this Starling has been successfully reared in captivity.



SOME DESULTORY NOTES FROM A

SOMERSET AVIARY


By the Rev. J. E. Sweetnam, Vicar of Taunton


The annual migration of members, and consequent dearth of copy

at this time of the year, may perhaps attach some fictitious value to

notes from one whose enthusiasm is perforce restrained by considerations

of time and space.


At the moment I have four aviaries in use, one being merely a spare

room in a disused part of this old Vicarage, adapted by the addition

of a flight fixed on the outside of one of the windows. It is used chiefly

as winter quarters for the less hardy species. Another is quite a small

affair with double flight, fitted with small trap doors, and now containing

pairs of green Glossy Starlings (Laprocolius chalybeus) and Pekin

Robins. The former have been playing at nesting since May, but the

Pekins look like qualifying for release by nesting in earnest at last.

As the Starlings are very tame and undoubtedly a true pair they have

been a disappointment due, I imagine, to the fact that the releasing

aviary is too small to give them a fair chance. I have had an odd bird

of this species flying loose before and intend releasing this pair shortly,

whether nesting or not.


Once a pair of these intelligent and confiding birds can be induced

to nest in an aviary they may be safely released, and young Glossies

are most easily bred in this way but, given a large planted aviary, they

should not be difficult. The chief trouble with them is to secure a true

pair as there is no external distinction and both sexes sing, though

the hen has a more raucous voice.


Birds in the other aviaries include a cock Virginian Cardinal—a

bachelor from choice, since he murdered his intended wife in cold



