INTRODUCTION OF INSECTIVOROUS. BIRDS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10722, 10 February 1897, Page 4

INTRODUCTION OF INSECTIVOROUS. BIRDS.

TO THE EOITOB. Sir, —The question of the introduction of insectivorous birds into the colony, more parfci- >■ jularly on the West Coast Sounds, is one of wnsiderable importance, as the sandfly pest lets as a great drawback to the quiet enjoyment ' Df the tonijst when visiting these beautiful retreats of nature, as many of the late passen--jers by ths Tarawera can fully testify to, partiinlarly if it happened to bs a dull day, without; any wind, or. towards the evening, when the tourist he (or she) might enjoy a delightful stroll upon one of the many beautiful landing places existing in the Sounds. ' The -whole pleasure of such an excursion is afc bnce-mxrred by those intolerable little tormentors tbe sandflies, who make a straight dart for your face, neck, or hands, and the irritation caused by the bites of these little insects are too well known to require description. If such insect feeding birds as the sand-martin, the swallow, and swift, also the English flycatcher could be introduced to the. Sounds, they would prove a great boon to; all tourists, and those residing in these districts. Doubtless tfcre would be. a difficulty.in the first introduction of these birds, bufc I think it could be overcome by placing a number of their eggs, in the various nests o! the wood-robin and finches, or even the common sparrow, at the. spots they are intended to remain. They' would then return each year to the places they-were reared in, as they do now in the old country.. I am quite aware these eggs could not be obtained, from Home much before June, which unfortunately for us is-thea ou? winter season, but is there nofc any means by which such eggs might, be preat-rved or kept fertile, until fche nesting season comes round again in this colony ? This 7 would be a question for cur acclimatisation, societies to poive. " That charming soug*fcer, the nightingale, might also be introduced, ss it is also an insectivorous bird, and would thrive well in our -native bush. Trusting this matter may receive immediate consideration. —I am, ba., ' February 6. t. p.