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Vol ‘i924 IV ’ 1 MONCRIEFF, Birds of [Vest Coast , N.Z. 
61 
U- 
Birds Seen Along the West Coast to the 
Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand 
Bv PER.RINE MONCRIEFF', “The Cliffs,” Nelson, N.Z. 
From Nelson, driving through the Waimea Plains, nothing of 
interest was seen, the road lying amidst cultivated land. Here 
the imported birds were predominant, Hocks of Goldfinches' 
(Carduclis carduelts) passed twittering by, their conspicuous gold 
and red plumage showing up brightly. 
Chaffinches, Thrushes and Blackbirds galore, and the contented' 
Skylark ( Alatida arvensis) all in their turn were passed. At one 
spot we listened intently, rumour having it that Kakas ( Nestor 
meridionalis) had chosen this neighbourhood for their nesting 
place. It being the middle of the day, all was quiet; like most 
other birds, they reserve their energies for early morning and 
sundown. Past Belgrove, we began to climb, and birds became 
scarce, although we still heard the Skylark, and it was not until 
we reached Glenhope that the birds reappeared in any number. 
At this terminus we were inspected and thoroughly discussed by 
two Fantails. Another mile into the beginning of the Buller 
Gorge and we were surrounded by Tuis ( Prostliemadera nova- 
sc elan dice) , whilst occasionally Quail would run hurriedly ahead 
Of US ever’loath to take flight. Eventually the proximity of the 
car proved too much for their nerves, and they rose in a whirring 
mass. Californian Quail ( Caliipcpla californica) find conditions 
very congenial in Nelson province. Even at home, a mile out of 
the town*itself, I often see as many as thirty birds in our cherry 
Before reaching Murchison, when passing a clearing, two Para¬ 
keets flew high over our heads. So brightly coloured when seen 
on a tree in flight they were merely two black birds with long 
tails, so it was impossible to tell whether they were the Red- 
brea’sted ( Cyanoramphus novcc-zcahmd'uc) or the Yellow-breasted 
Parakeet (C. auricepf) ; more probably the former, which ap¬ 
pears to be the more common. It was a pleasant surprise to 
see them so near habitation. 
Rain descending, it was not until after passing Murchison 
that we stopped the car and walked three miles along the famous 
Puller Gorge. The roaring river to our left, with thickly-clad 
hills all around and wonderful growth wherever we look, would 
have been marvellous at any time, but, in addition, Bell-birds 
( Anthornis mchviura), Tuis, and the Shining Cuckoo ( Lampro - 
coccyx lucidus) were raising their voices rejoicing at the cessation 
of the rain. One Shining Cuckoo sat on a branch overhanging 
the road, and puzzled us with its sweet persistent ventriloquistic 
notes. At times we gazed to the right ; then being sure it was to 
