. The Australian zoologist. Zoology; Zoology; Zoology. 180 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES. At Caermarthen, Upper Manilla, on 16th February, 1918, I found a nest of Gralliiia picata containing young birds, attached to a lower drooping bough of an apple tree (Angophora) overhanging a creek. After photographing the male bird on the nest, I came closer, and fixed the camera within eight feet of the nest. Box brush was used to conceal the tripod, and a few branchlets suspended from the focussing hood partly masked the camera. These birds being very shy, I retired a few paces until they became accustomed to t
. The Australian zoologist. Zoology; Zoology; Zoology. 180 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES. At Caermarthen, Upper Manilla, on 16th February, 1918, I found a nest of Gralliiia picata containing young birds, attached to a lower drooping bough of an apple tree (Angophora) overhanging a creek. After photographing the male bird on the nest, I came closer, and fixed the camera within eight feet of the nest. Box brush was used to conceal the tripod, and a few branchlets suspended from the focussing hood partly masked the camera. These birds being very shy, I retired a few paces until they became accustomed to this strange device, but they did not venture near until three Laughing Jackasses (Dacelo gigas) flew into the tree. These birds were partly domesticated, and would take food readily from one's hand. Probably they were attracted by the alarm call of the Grallinas, and took advantage of my presence, which they apparently appreciated. Presently the Grallinas plucked up sufficient courage to fly to the tree also, each bird keeping one Jackass at bay. thus leaving an opening for the third bird to dart down and secure a chick, which he eventually did without hesitating. ,.. >r =*.«s The Grallina's Nest. on the nest. This unexpected performance brought me into action at once, and my impulsive shout only scared the remaining birds from the tree. Knowing these particular Jackasses so well, I stood exposed at the camera, fully expecting them to return and secure the remaining chick, which I could distinctly see silently swaying its head about with its beak agape the while. Dr. Brooke Nicholls arrived on the scene, and I got him to arrange a few leafy twigs about my head and shoulders, and then manoeuvre round the tree to prevent the Grallinas from approaching the nest whiie thejai I ass performed his act unmolested, but in spite of all, the Grallinas held their own, and kept the marauders on the move. Our patience was tested for another resultless hour, and eventually the sound i>
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1914
