BIRDS OF OUR BUSH

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 50, 27 August 1938, Page 20

BIRDS OF OUR BUSH

(Original.)

Just stop for a moment and consider J what a wealth of unequalled splendour, we have in our colourful and musical native birds. Years ago, the pioneer settlers killed many of our precious birds, some of which have now become rare, such as the pretty green parakeets. Also, not so many years ago, and alas, even now, it is the occupation of small Doys to collect the eggs. If only they would stop and think that it means an extermination of our bird life. '<■■.■ If we go into the tranquillity of the bush we see and hear many of our feathered friends. Who could wish for a sweeter songster than the gay tui with the tuft of white at his throat? And the bellbird, who gives us her wonderful morning song?' Also, the most well-known of our native birds such as the lovable fantails, and friendly New Zealand robins, are a great interest to Nature lovers. Have you not heard of our native owl, morepork, or ruru? It is said that Captain Cook, while anchored close to the shore, had the intention of searching for provisions rother' than- the salt pork that the men\had been having and of which they had got very tired. The sailors were very amused at night to hear the continual cry of the native owl, "morepork!" Arid from that day the name hasl been/attached to these noisy /-.night-bird's. Now, you very seldom see our bird life. Our fathers can tell us of the "good old times" when these birds would be seen in-eyerydaK life. Perhaps, too, they may sayt shamefacedly: "And we killed many;, of those green parakeets." .. ' ■■; The kiwi is very tame and trusting if found in the ~ bush. But the place to find.tliese charming birds in their natural surfbuhdihgsy.is iuia bird sanctuary., The best one of these is Kapiti Island, where the ;birds are so tame they -will .eat from: your hand. Stewart Island is another exquisite sanctuary. I should love to go. there, wouldn't you? V ; : >BROWN OWL" (13). Wadestowh, . : : : .-.:

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