Publications Archive

The nesting of two pairs of N.I. fantails, Rhipidura fuliginosa placabilis, in isolated territories throughout two seasons is recorded in detail. Nest construction, clutch size, incubation and nestling periods, hatching, fledging, and survival successes are discussed, as are the division of labour between the sexes, the effect of isolation on fertility, and of weather conditions on nesting. The details from 68 cards in the society’s Nest Records Scheme are summarised and commented upon.

In October and November, 1962, sightings of 38 species of seabirds were made from H.M. Submarine Tabard in the Tasman Sea and around New Zealand. In addition, further observations were achieved at Taiaroa Head and during a visit to Little Barrier Island. Descriptions taken at sea together with relative differences of albatrosses and storm-petrels are given; this information results from 2½ years watching in the Australasian region.

Analysis suggests that there was a departure from the N.E. and E. coasts of North Island of wandering albatrosses and giant and pintado petrels in the first two weks of November. Some evidence was found to account for albatrosses only occurring outside the littoral region north of the Bay of Plenty. The 100 fathom line seemed to be of importance to the distribution in spring of the white-faced storm-petrel, the fluttering shearwater and the common diving-petrel to the east of Great Barrier Island. It is likely that the feeding habits of the fluttering and pink-footed shearwaters in the Hauraki Gulf are related to the tidal cycle. The speed of a penguin under water was calculated and the submerged swimming of the fluttering shearwater was seen. The means by which fluttering shearwaters and gannets achieved indication of the proximity of shoals of fish are discussed; gannets are attracted from 9 miles and fluttering shearwaters from 4 miles. The Herald petrel was seen 170 miles east of Montagu Island, N.S.W. The position of the Subtropical Convergence off the E. coast of the Dominion and in the Tasman Sea was determined.