E. Guild—Tahitian Aviculture



11



Of course this process necessitates great consultations as to the

weather. I ask all my native friends in the district whether or not we

will have any rain during the next three or four days and when the

majoiity say “ no ”, I start to liberate. Needless to say their judgment

is not infallible and an “ unseasonable ” wind and rain come within

twenty-four hours. The first Orange Breasted Waxbills that were

liberated chose to spend the night under the leaves of the pandanus

thatching on the roof of my house. This seemed a safe and comfortable

place until a tropical downpour in the middle of the night made me

doubt the wisdom of their choice. The rain came down with great

force and I was certain it would pack down the wet pandanus thatch

and permanently seal the birds in their new homes. But not at all—

the next morning they were out and about and eagerly at the feed

dishes and have evidently chosen the roof as their permanent home.


On the whole, weather conditions and climate are ideal for aviculture.

The temperature is never below 70° and rarely above 90° F. and I feel

that it is an ideal place for the various birds I have chosen. To be sure,

we are troubled to some extent by rats and mice, but there seems to

be no friction between the imported and indigenous birds. Among the

native birds are the following :—-


Green Fruit Pigeon, Black and White Kingfisher, Black Flycatcher

(practically extinct), Small Bail, two or three Waders, small Wild

Duck, New Zealand Cuckoo (migratory), Golden Plover (migratory),

a variety of Tilt.


Gradually, through the presence of the birds I have imported,

people on the island are becoming bird conscious. The Governor,

Monsieur Chastenet de Gery, has established a feeding dish in the

grounds at Government House ; also James Norman Hall, co-author

with Mr. Charles B. Nordhofi of Mutiny on the Bounty , has put one up

on his property to attract any birds that may wander to his side of

the island. Mr. Nordhofi, who is keenly interested in water fowl, has

done a great deal to promote this interest by liberating Wood and

Mandarin Duck as well as California Quail and Pheasants.


We are receiving great help and encouragement from France

through the untiring efiorts of Monsieur Jean Delacour who is doing

everything possible to protect the birds throughout the French colonies.



