NATIVE BIRDS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 100, 30 April 1930, Page 13

NATIVE BIRDS

\ increasing1' at sanctuary

Some interesting remarks on the increased number of native birds now evident, in tho Little Barrier Island sanctuary, near Auckland, appear in a report furnished to the Minister-of Internal Affairs (the Hon. P. A. de1 la Perrelle) by the caretaker (Mr. Botiert Kelson). - "In travelling "through; the bush," Mr. Nelson reports, "I am glad to find increasing numbers of tho native birds. Both in the gullies and on the high ridges they aro seen in very large numbers. Lit is a, delight to sit and listen to their beautiful singing. You will be glad 'to know that the rare stitchbird is increasing on the island. There was a time when it was difficult to locate , one single stitchbird. I .counted as many as three and four on one -particular morning, and on another occasion I saw fourteen in two hours. I travel occasionally round the coast, and the birds are as plentiful there as in the~interior of ths island. With the mail carrier's yacht I go twice a year round tho island, keeping close to the beach to'see that everything is clear. "The kiwis have been, seen several evenings near. ,the house. They come' down in dry weather.when water is scarce. Tho bell-birds and tuis which live near the house are at presentfeeding on the fruit, but now it is nearly gone for another seasoai. A few of the birds are feeding: from tho tins/which Mrs* Nelson has filled with last year's jelly and other sweet mixture. Like last, year, the birds will be feeding in scores, aiid their. sweet songs' will, be a delight to hear." '; .'". .