NOTED BIRD FANCIER.

Otago Witness, Issue 3972, 29 April 1930, Page 65

NOTED BIRD FANCIER.

A REMARKABLE COLLECTION.

AUCKLAND, April 26.

Birds of the most glorious shades and hues are on board the Federal Steam Navigation Company’s steamer Huntingdon, at present berthed at Queen’s wharf, from Africa, from Venezuela, from Cuba, and other parts of the world. They have been collected—not for sale are these birds of rare plumage —but are the hobby of the commander, Captain H. G. B. Field. Captain Field, who in his travels gathered most precious and rare birds for his aviary at Home in Worthing, Sussex, has made a study of birds ever since he has been at sea, and is known world-wide as a collector of rare birds. On board this trip Captain Field has a pair of Venezuelan parrots, or parrot-lets, which are the envy of all aviarists. These birds when full grown are only four and three-quarter inches from their beak to the tip of their tails. They are magnificent—bright green in colour —and can be made to talk and sing. These birds are the smallest parrots in the world. Captain Field procured them in Panama on his way to New Zealand. Only one pair of these parrots are known to exist at present in England, and they are in Lady Grey’s aviary.

Captain Field, besides being a great collector himself, helps to collect birds for his daughter, who. is a great bird lover. His daughter shows all the rare birds at big shows in England, and has reaped many prizes. The way Captain Field has landed his birds at Home has brought forth many letters of appreciation from all leading aviarists in England. His cages on board show great and careful thought. Speaking of birds generally, Captain Field stated that there is not one aviary in England which has a section for New Zealand birds, and many at Home would be only too pleased to commence an aviary of our native birds. Captain Field hopes that one day he will be able to have a New Zealand section. “Of course, New Zealand has restricted the exportation of native birds, and so has many countries,” said Captain Field, “ but with most countries permits are given to recognised aviarists to procure pairs for showing, and I hope one day that I will be able to take some of your glorious birds Home.”