BIRD LOVERS

Southland Times, Issue 23000, 21 September 1936, Page 9

BIRD LOVERS

OUTING AT SEAWARD BUSH ENJOYABLE AFTERNOON In response to an invitation from the “Birdman” of 4ZP, a number of nature lovers assembled at Seaward Bush Reserve on Saturday afternoon. After a short talk in the vicinity of the Maori house the party, piloted by Mr A. W. Jones, president of the Southland Radio Club, and the “Birdman,” proceeded quietly along the main track. The first bird to greet them was a beautiful black fantail, which displayed itself gracefully, bidding the visitors a friendly welcome to' the domain. Thereafter several magos, grey warbles and tomtits were seen.

Half-way down the track the party halted for a brief spell to hear a bird talk of interest. Many tom-tits greeted the visitors on their return and entertained them in their fascinating way. Only one tui was seen. A few brown creepers would not respond to bird calls, preferring to stay about the tree tops in the sunlight. The makos (bellbirds) were whistling beautifully all the afternoon, and the bush was doubly attractive with the chirpings and twitterings of many species of birds. Considering the amount of rain that had fallen over the previous days there was very little mud about the tracks, and no difficulty in walking along was experienced even by the very young members of the party. The native trees and plants came in for much admiration, several of those present expressing the hope that the area would be kept exclusively “native.” Speaking as chairman of the Reserves Committee of the City Council, Mr Jones said that he would certainly oppose any suggestion to import exotic flora into the reserve. He did not expect that his opposition would be needed, as he felt sure that Mr B. P. Mansfield, Superintendent of Reserves, was just as keen on native trees as any one. The area contains a great variety of indigenous growth, the graceful young rimus making a pretty contrast to the stately miros and othei- pines of majestic growth. A beautiful totara, in full flower, was especially attractive. This tree stood about 12 feet high, its spreading branches covered with a light green foliage and carrying an abundance of yellow flowers, resembling the wattle flowers of the bottle brush variety. The outing was a great success and was enjoyed by all. A suggestion to hold a 4ZP picnic on a suitable day during the summer was heartily approved. The “Birdman” announced that the bird talks would be discontinued for a few months after the middle of October, but that he would in all probability give bush talks during the interim, and would begin these talks at a later hour in the evening. Evidence of keenness in the study of bird life was found in the fact that two girls of the party had cycled to the reserve from a distance of 18 miles.