Page:The Emu volume 20.djvu/224

 Pandion leucocephalus. Osprey.—Ospreys breed in several places on Dirk Hartlog, notably near Notch Point and at the South Passage. Some of the nests, from being used year after year, have attained a considerable size. I photogaphed one nest in situ, but this was robbed during my absence at the Ten-mile well. I could not trace who had taken the eggs. I fear they were only destroyed. Other pairs breed around Peron Peninsula. I often saw Ospreys perched on the masts of the luggers at anchor at Denham.

Ninox ocellata. Marbled Owl.—A non-breeding bird was shot at the West well. It appeared to be a stray. It was observed, at intervals, for some weeks perching on the top rail of a fence.

Euphema petrophila. Rock-Parrakeet.—According to Mr. T. Carter, this species occurs on Dirk Hartog and also on Slope Island. He gives an interesting account of a visit to the latter locality in the Government cutter Shark. Rock-Parrakeets were seen, but no nests found. I searched the whole of the Quoin Bluff and also Notch Point for this species, but absolutely without success. Mr. Carter states that it is found on Peron Peninsula too.

Eurostopodus guttatus. Spotted Nightjar.—I saw nothing of this Nightjar during either visit to Shark Bay, but Mr. G. C. Lloyd found an undoubted egg on one occasion. I am inclined to regard it as a casual visitor to Dirk Hartog Island.

Cypselus pacificus. White-rumped Swift.—Mr. Carter observed this species at Denham, 13th January, 1917.

Cuculus pallidus. Pallid Cuckoo.—Mr. Carter includes the Pallid Cuckoo in his list of birds seen on Dirk Hartog; but only a single example was met with. I, too, found it very uncommon. One individual was heard calling in the early mornings for several weeks at the West well.

Chalcococcyx basalis. Narrow-billed Bronze-Cuckoo.—Not very much in evidence at Shark Bay; but at Dirk Hartog I found its egg in Black-and-White Wren-Warblers' (Malurus leucopterus) nests on two occasions. I also procured a fully-fledged young bird in September at the Ten-mile well.

Hirundo neoxena. Welcome Swallow.—Common at Shark Bay. On Dirk Hartog breeding at the homestead, and also in the boundary-riders' huts, and even on the sides of the rocky water-holes. Many haunt the faces of cliffs.

Petrochelidon nigricans. Tree-Martin.—Seen on Dirk Hartog, probably migrating,

Chermœca leucosternum. White-backed Swallow.—A pair or two breed in the sandy cliffs near Denham. A nest I examined second week in October contained four young birds, which flew out as I enlarged the tunnel.

Melanodryas picata. Hooded Robin.—A few pairs on Dirk Hartog and also on Peron were breeding.

Petroica goodenovii. Red-capped Robin.—A male, in full plumage, and a second one, not fully adult, were seen perched on bushes and uttering the familiar call near the Ten-mile well; probably only casual visitors.

Rhipidura preissi. Western Fantail.—Seen by Mr. T. Carter in the mangroves on Peron Peninsula.