PORANGAHAU—THE CASPIAN TERN 7 
fare. Unlike their more plentiful kinsfolk of the 
beach, Caspian Tern seem careless as to what 
airt they face; plates were again and again 
marred because of deranged plumage. The best 
pictures were obtained shortly after dawn, before 
the gale that persisted almost without cessation 
during each of our visits revived with stronger 
light. The Caspian Tern is able to emit the most 
harsh of screams whilst carrying fish in its bill. 
Often I have heard one of these splendid birds, 
enraged at some movement on our part, screech- 
ing in full flight, head and neck raised skywards. 
Little is required to excite solicitude. When the 
distant pairs were disturbed, their uneasiness was 
at once communicated to the couple immediately 
beneath the lens. Even on her nest the female 
of that pair would then often bark like a chained 
dog—like a dog, too, throwing up her head to do 
so more conveniently. 
During our third or fourth day on the beach 
an egg hatched in the nest opposite the screen. 
This youngster enjoyed the terrific never-ceasing 
blast no more than we did ourselves. Whenever 
by the exigencies of plate removal or shifting of 
camera the hen was temporarily put off her nest, 
the chick would utter a sorrowful little wailing 
bark. Instantly on the return of her parent, like 
a rabbit skurrying to burrow, it would scramble 
again beneath its mother’s breast for warmth 
