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N. Wharton-Tigar—London Zoo Notes



a person who was indifferent to birds. Each species has its own

individuality. The Ruff is playful and the Oyster Catcher is the clown.

A pair I have will dig for worms, and seem to laugh each time one is

found. If worms are supplied by one of us, the Oyster Catcher will

run to the pond with each one separately, and thoroughly wash the

worms before eating them ; they seem to think the worms they find

for themselves do not need washing. It is entertaining to see the

Oyster Catchers extract a snail from its shell, and then break the shell,

so nothing may be wasted. They are also fond of the periwinkle, supplied

by the fishmonger: these they extract from the shell—they do not

use a pin either—and nothing is wasted.


I have a pair of Ruffs and one Oyster Catcher to spare, imported,

ideal aviary birds, moulted in captivity. I will be pleased to give them

to a member of the Avicultural Society, if applicant can offer suitable

accommodation with regard to space and pond. Please apply by

letter. I find it most difficult to get complete data with regard to

Waders, unless such birds can be obtained in captivity.


I hope to hand the gift birds to an applicant in the vicinity of Kent,

to ensure comfortable transit. I can recommend the family of Waders

to any interested fancier or student who can comfortably accommodate

them.


All the Waders are unique aviary birds, they are interesting and

decorative. The latter remark applies especially to the Ring Plover

and the Dotterel.


Thus, my small effort to help popularize the Waders.


346 Eden Park Avenue,


Beckenham, Kent.



LONDON ZOO NOTES


By N. Wharton-Tigar


In attempting to write this month on some of the waterfowl at

the London Zoo, I feel very much out of my depth, my knowledge

of these birds being very elementary. I quickly enlisted the help of

my young friend Mr. Terry Jones, an enthusiast on the subject. On

a very cold day, with a biting wind, we met at the Zoo and carefully



