THE STRANGEST THINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 300, 18 December 1937, Page 12

THE STRANGEST THINGS

When golden kowhais bloom 'tis feast-time tor mis and bell-birds. I’rior to that these birds Have scant fare so they are on the watch for the flowering of these trees. In "wayiiacks" (here is a hill winch is a golden glory with kowhais when it is blossom time, but there is one particular tree that blooms ere that time is quite due and there is one lui that knows When there is not a hint ot bloom to be seen on tne lice this tui will come and perch on the top most twigs, morning, noon, nils night, and as he sits swaying pour,, out a Hood of enthralling memoy as it in thanks lor the promise of what is to come. All da.y long he hover, near, ever on the alert to see that no other bird takes possession of this coveted tree. Starlings, finches, sparrows, fantails, and bellbirds he swoops down upon and fiercely chases them away. Even pigeons feeding off tiny brown buds scarcely discernible are liercely attacked and driven off by Uns warlike and selfish bird. As the buds swell and touches ot yellow appear he redoubles his efforts to keep intruders at bay and seems to be, except for his periods of thanks giving, forever on the wing, flying hither aim thither in a perfect frenzy of jealous zeal. When the first few blossoms open- be sips greedily of the nectar, though scarcely relaxing his watch to do sc, and soon he is the very busiest ot birds tor tlie golden blooms stop not until the tree is mantled in gold and he has then much ado to keep the tree to himself. Though he tries haul and it is only when other trees begin to burst into

(SPECIALLY WRITTEN FOR OUR PAGE BY "MADCAP")

flower that his labours end and for another year his vigils cease. Because of his habit of naunting this particfilar tree each spring folk at Waybacks call him the “wide awake” tui and anyone seeing him when blossom time is near would adm.; «r his being well named. Anu yet there are some people who would not credit birds with knowing anything. As for myself I know they know too much tor me especially when I plant seeds and expect iuem to come up. If they do it is sure to be the wrong way and flowers do not. result. This screed seems to be all about birds doesn’t il ? But there is some excuse for of late I have been sojourning frequently in places — Where bushland’s myriad greens are flecked with kowhais gold, And starry cascades of clematis rounu leafy spires fold, Where rata’s scarlet blossoms out vic the sunset’s red, And sweet elusive fragrances thro’ sylvan temples spread. whore chequered shadows fall hl glens mossgrown and cool, And Rangioras spill their sweetness o’er many a limpid pool, Where lofty pines vine-girded keep guard 'midst whispering trees, And cabbage palms from coral-like tufts a wealth of insense frees. Where kingfishers flash swiftly like changing turquoise beams, Above amber pools fern shaded of softly murmuring streams, Where songs of tuis and bell-birds ring out in glad acclaim, And native pigeons with snowy breasts sit cooing almost tame.