Gallicolumba Kubaryi X G. rubescens. We also arrived just in time to seethe avi­ American Aviculture aries, numerous and extensive, and a few remnants ofthe Pheasantcollection of Mr. W. J. Jackson, who has just given up his hobby, a greatpityas he was most 60 rears Ago successful in breeding several rare spe­ cies, including Satyr, Temminck's and by Jean Delacour Cabot's Tragopans, Imperial, Edward's, Cleres, France and Mikado Pheasants, different Polyplectrons,]ava, and Sonnerat'sJun­ glefowl. [Editor's Note: This article was published barley, alfalfa, etc., are sown and grown We paid a visit to Mr. S. H. Levin, who in Avicultural Magazine, the Journal ofthe inside the aviaries during the winter to alsowassellingouthis large collectionof Avicultural Society (England) in May, provide green food. Fruit is always plen­ Pheasants, Parrakeets, Pigeons, Waders, 1937. It is used here with the kind permis­ tiful andcheap in California. andsmall birds. There were a dozenVic­ sion ofMr. Frank Woolham, its honorary Mr. Smith ownsthefinest collectionof toria Crowned Pigeons, most ofthem editor, and Professor ].R. Hodges, council chairman of the AVicultural Society Pheasants in America, where nearly all bred on the spot, as well as several Blue (England). Dr. Delacour writes on his the rarer species are represented, the Porphyrios [gallinules and/or swam­ experiences dUring a visit to California gems ofwhich are several pairs ofthe phens], a mixture ofthe African, Indian, and we learn the extent to which American White Eared-Pheasant and a pair ofChi­ and Australian species. There were over aviculture had risen 60 years ago. The nese Monauls. He also possesses and 100 Peafowl, Blue, White, Black­ number ofspecies then kept is very impres­ breeds Koklass, Rheinartes, Argus, winged, and Specifer, which are most sive. The Tahitian, Ultramarine, and Kuhl's Lories were kept and the Palawan and Bronze-tailed Polyplec­ prolific in California, even the last Ultramarine, for one, was even bred. The tron; and I saw there a pair ofthe rare named, andare bred all over this State in article identifies many unusual species of Tetroaphasis thibetanus[Tibetan Snow­ numbers, as well as hybrids, which are birds rangingfrom parrots and softbill to a cock] a large Partridge from the high quite popular. California Condor. Delacour mentions mountains ofWestern China. The differ­ In the different suburbs ofSan Fran­ hybrids observed in various aviaries and ent species ofFirebacks do extremely cisco one finds many bird stores. Mr. the editors ofWatchbird have left those ref­ well at Fair Oaks, and breed freely. Al­ Mori, aJapanese dealer, usually offers a erences intact in keeping with the philoso­ phy of60 years ago. DR77 though Mr. Smith is endeavouring to good selection ofJapanese and Filipino make his collection pay through breed­ birds, from Cranes to Finches, as well as ing, he is a most genuine and enthusias­ Australian and sometimes Indian spe­ tic bird lover. I greatly enjoyed the few cies. He is now the first importer on the On 14th November I left Chicago at days Ispentin his hospitable ranch. Pacific Coast. The best shops are on the 6:30 a.m. by air, and before 7:30 p.m. I My host drove me about the district eastern side ofthe bay, near Oakland, was at the Sacramento Aerodrome, a for several days, and we visited together some quite far from the centre. These journeywhich takes over three days by a number of interesting Game farms, Californian bird-stores look very nice train. Mr. W. Leland Smith was waiting without speaking of such wonderful and different from what we have on this for me, and took me to his home at Fair mountain scenery as Lake Tahoe. We side of the Atlantic. They consist of a Oaks. saw, particularly, the California State house, usually new and nicely built, on Most of the California Pheasant­ GameFarm atNapa, wherethousandsof the road, with the shop in front; at the breeders live in the Sacramento-San Ring-necks and Mongolian Pheasants, back there is an extensive piece of Francisco region. In the SacramentoVal­ Quails, Chukors, some Amhersts, Gold­ ground where rows of aviaries have ley, climatic conditions are similar to ens, and Reeve's, andMexicanWildTur­ been built, usuallyvery neatly. Canaries, those in the South ofFrance: a mild win­ keys are reared annually, Excellent re­ Parrots, andsome showbirds are keptin ter, but often damp and sometimes as sults are obtained with electric incuba­ the shop, as well as cages, food, etc.; but 0 cold as 15 , and a very hot, dry summer. tors and brooders, the latter placed in the largest number ofbirds, including They seem to suit all sorts ofPheasants hous.es connectedto smalloutdoorpens Peacocks, Pheasants, Doves, Par­ aswellas Pigeons andDoves. Mr. Leland with cement floors covered with a cou­ rakeets, etc., live, andoftenbreed, inout­ Smith has an orange andflower ranch as ple of inches ofsand. Mr. Bade, the su­ dooraviaries. The whole arrangementis well as an important bird-farm. He perintendent, was most hospitable, and far cleanerandmoreattractive thanwhat breeds Game birds in large numbers, all gave me very useful information. We we see in the usual European bird­ sorts ofPheasants - American Quails, also visited the aviaries ofMr. J. W. Stein­ shops. The best that I have visited are ChukorPartridges, manyspecies ofwild beck, who has a nice selection ofrare those of Messrs. Thierry, Poisal, and Pigeons and Doves, including Crowned Pheasants and Doves at Stockton; those Julius, the two first of French origin, and Victoria's Gouras, and a few small of Mr. H. F. Kangieser, at Menlo Park, while Mr. Brock, a nativeofScotland, has birds, Parrots, and Waterfowl. He has where there are some good Pheasants several town shops and is very clever well over a hundred aviaries, most of and excellent Doves, including many with difficult insectivorous birds. He them very roomy and without artificial MountainWitches andKubary's Ground helped me greatly in the packing and shelters, butshadedbycentury-oldever- . Pigeons, andsome interesting Phapitre­ care ofthe birds I broughtover. green oaks. The soil is sandy. Like most ron [Fruit doves] from the Philippine Is­ Since a few years, the city ofSan Fran­ Pheasant breeders in California, oats, lands, among others, as well as hybrids, cisco has a zoo, situated on the ocean

48 November/December 1997 shore. From the name of its principal name is well known in aviculture, has There used to be a wonderful collec­ supporter it is known as the Fleishacker large aviaries where he keeps and tion ofWaterfowl near San Francisco Zoo. The present accommodations are breeds many rare softbills, Touracous, that ofmy late friend, Mr. de Laveaga. I~ temporary and simple, but quite good, etc. Unfortunately, I was not able to visit was unfortunately dispersed after his and Carnivora particularly-lions, ti­ him this time owingto sudden change in death, although it had been donated to gers, black leopards, pumas, andjaguars the date ofmy sailing. He is now moving the Whittier Bird Club, a public institu­ are breeding regularly. There are only a to a newandlarger place. tion situated near Los Angeles which limitednumberofbirds. Buta large mod­ ForanOldWorld aviculturist, onecol­ unfortunately, could not be maintained ern zoo is now being built: what I have lection is ofverygreat interest, thatofMr. owing to financial difficulties. Mr. N. B. seenofthe worksandplansshowsthat it Eric Kinsey, atManor, inacoolandshady Tuckerhadalso built upanequallygood will become a very fine modern estab­ canyon ofMarin County, north ofthe one, at his duck-shooting club on the lishment. Itis supervisedbyMr. Edmund Bay of San Francisco. Mr. Kinsey, the south-east ofthe Bay. Unfortunately, Mr. Heller, the well-known naturalist and present president ofthe Cooper Club, is Tucker has just given it up, so that there explorer, who accompanied Theodore an excellent ornithologist, who knows are no more large Waterfowl collections Roosevelt onhis African trip. as much ofwildCalifornian birds as any­ in California. There are some, however, The climate ofSan Francisco itself, one on earth. But, quite rightly, he be­ in Oregon,Washington, andUtah, Ihear, and between the Bay and the ocean, is lieves that there is a greatdeal more to be butIhad no time to visit them. very peculiar; practically even all the learned of the habits and behaviour of California, however, has a great at­ year round, never very cold, never hot, birds by keeping them in captivity, un­ traction for the Waterfowl lover, as it is a with a lot offog. It does not seem to be der special conditions, and he has been paradise for wild Swans, Geese, and very favourable to birds in general. But particularlysuccessful in this endeavour. Ducks. Owing to protection, many bays on the other side ofthe Bay, and farther He has a very large and high aviary, and marshes are full ofWaterfowl, some north andsouth, the temperature rises in thickly planted with trees and berry of them wonderfully tame. Even in the summerand drops in the Winter, be­ bushes, with a very roomy shelter; an­ towns, wildDucksaboundonornamen­ ing comparable, I think, to the south­ other good-sized aviary, halfa dozen tal waters, mostly Mallards, Pintails, west ofFrance. It suits Game birds per­ compartments, anda smaller flight, with Wigeons, Green-winged Teal, Ruddy fectly. a good shelter, as well as a number of Ducks, lesser and Ring-necked Scaup, In the San Francisco district there are cages complete his accommodations. I and Canvas-backs. In sheltered bays many private aviaries, and I visited a forgot to say that, so far, Mr. Kinsey has there are hundreds or thousands of number ofthem. Many amateurs have specialized on Californian passerine Ducks of different species: Pintails, from one to twenty pens, with nice col­ birds, and keeps no others, excepta few Wigeons, Gadwall, Buffle-heads, Gold­ lections ofsmall birds, Doves and Par­ Anna and Allen Humming-birds. Of en-eyes, Ruddies, countless Surf-Scoters rakeets, also a few Quails andPheasants. course, he can only do so by enjoying a (which on the wing, absurdly resemble Some are more important and I should special scientific permitfrom the Federal Hill-Mynahs, withtheiryellowandwhite mention a few. Government and the State ofCalifornia, patches!), Velvet Scoters, Scaup, Reed­ Mr. C. C. Broadwater, aVice-President as most species ofbirds are strictly pro­ heads (scarce), and Black Brent. At sea oftheAvicultural SocietyofAmerica, has tected. In Mr. Kinsey's aviaries one sees there are some Mergansers, and I saw a a fine collection at Oakland. Several practically all species oflocal passerine lovely pair ofHarlequins; and I am not large and high aviaries, adjoining the birds. I was thrilled to watch in captivity speaking ofthe hordes ofWaders, Cor­ house, are the home ofmanyAustralian such rarities as Varied Thrushes, Moun­ morants, Loons, Gulls, etc. On waters and other Finches, which breed freely, tain andWestern Bluebirds, Townsends' sheltered by trees one sees some Caro­ andalso Tanagers, etc. In anotherpartof Solitaires, American Flycatchers, lina Ducks. The only two Californian the garden there are rows of aviaries, Horned Larks, Pipits, Rock Wrens, Nut­ species absentat thattime ofyear, asthey mostly for Parrakeets, and among many hatches, Wren-tits (Chamaea), Thrash­ migrate south, are the Fulvous Tree­ rarities I noticed three young Pileated. ers, Waxwings, Phainopeplas, several duckandtheCinnamonTeal. Butthefin­ There are high shelters heated by elec­ species ofAmerican Warblers, induding estsight is thatofhundreds ofthousands tricity on a thermostat system, which the beautiful "Long-tailed Chat" (Icteria ofwild Geese in the SacramentoValley: I seems to beverysatisfactory. virens), a fine songster, Troupials, West­ watched them for two days and must Mrs. H. S. Bonestell has also a very in­ ern Tanagers, different Grosbeaks and have been about 300,000. The most nu­ teresting collectio·n in several groups of Buntings, Towhees, andSparrows. Later merous are the White-fronted, Lesser aviaries, built on extensive grounds on on, I spent several days up country with Snow or Cackling and Hutchin's Geese; the bank ofa narrow, wooded valley, Mr. Kinsey to trap some ofthe birds that I there is only one flock ofabout 10,000 where lots ofwild birds, especially Cali­ was kindly allowed to take home with Ross's Snow Geese, all there is in the fornian Quail, are very tame owing to me, and I had a very interesting experi­ world, and a few Tule Geese or Greater protection. Tanygnathus and Eclectus ence, watchingandcatchingsuch lovely White-fronted (anser albifrons gam­ Parrots breed regularly with her. I no­ species as Western and Mountain Blue­ belli). The larger Canadian Goose does ticed particularly excellent Cissas and birds, ofwhich I'll say more later on. Mr. not mix with the others, and is found in Fairy Bluebirds. Mrs. Bonnestell is a Kinsey's enthusiasm and helpful kind­ small groups on higher ponds; it is the great traveller in Eastern Asia and the ness cannot be praised too much, and it onlyone that breeds in California. There South Seas, and she has brought home is thanks only to him that I have been are, ofcourse, lots ofDucks in thevalley, manyrare birds. able to take with me an excellent collec­ and I saw also hundred of Whistling On the south side ofSan Francisco, at tion ofCalifornia birds, most ofwhich Swans and came across a big flock of Los Altos, Mr. R. A. Isemberg, whose had neverbefore reachedEurope alive. SandhillCranes(800 to 1,000), thelargest

afa WATCHBIRD 49 seensince many years. I am indebtedfor that the faI nous Mr. Hearst has spentmil­ pean prices only. these interesting trips to Mr. james Mof­ lions on his ranch, and I well believe it; The Avicultural Society ofAmerica fitt the ornithologist ofthe Academy of what could not have been achieved by now have their headquarters in Los An­ Na~ral Science in San Francisco, a keen such means onsuch a wonderful site! geles, as it is theAmerican city where the field naturalist and a great lover and spe­ With the exception ofone week in greatest number of members live. It is cialist ofWater-birds. lowe also to his San Francisco, when I returned in mid­ also the seat of the California Game kindness the opportunity of taking December, I was in Southern California Breeders' Association, and ofthe south­ homea Black Brent, a Ross's Snow, and a form 26th ovembertill12thjanuary. ern branchofthe CooperOrnithological Cackling Goose. During my visit the weatl1er was mostly Club. These three societies most kindly At Oakland I had the pleasure of warm and sunny, but there were cold entertained me at a dinner attended by meeting several times myoid friend Dr. nights, rainy, chilly days, and, for a few nearly a hundred ornithologists and E. W. Gifford, the well-known anthro­ days, hard frosts 08°at Pasadena). Of aviculturists, whom I was delighted to pologist, who keeps a collection ofrare course, the climate changes vely much meet. Pigeons and Doves. While, ten years locally, some spots being always above Nearly all South Californian aviaries ago, he was mostly interested in the dif­ freezing. On the whole, the climate is are built ofwood, with substantial shel­ ferent Ground Doves, he now special­ very similar to tl1at ofthe Riviera, hot and ters, often as large as 'the flights them­ izes and collects only species in which dry during the summer, mild in the win­ selves, but not heated. There are no the sexes are different. ter, which is the rainy season, with occa­ movable aviaries: they were found un­ Between San Francisco and Los An­ sional cold spells, As it is, it suits birds in necessary on account ofthe sandy soil geles, one must see Mr. R. Hearst's haci­ general admirably, particularly Austra­ and dry climate. They are usually dis­ enda at San Simeon. It is the most lian and other Finches, Australian Par­ posed in rows and blocks. astonishing place on earth. It includes rakeets, African Lovebirds, Conures, I have visited a number ofavicultur­ several hundreds ofthousands ofacres Cockatoos and other Parrots, Pigeons, ists in ornearLos Angeles, Riverside, and ofbeautiful country: mountains and val­ and Doves; they all live well and breed San Diego, and, lateron, I'll give some in­ leys, with the ocean shore to the west, all freely in outdooraviaries with openshel­ formation on tl1e larger collections. But a practically wild and extremely pictur­ ters. I have no doubt that other exotic few words in general on the birds one esque. Unfortunately, tl1is fine scenely is birds would do just as well, after being sees almost everywhere may be useful. somewhat spoiled by the huge house, acclimatized, from what I have seen at With the exception ofthe Firetails and an unfinished structure which is sup­ some amateurs. But South Californian Painted Finches, all Australian species posed to represent a Spanish castle, but breeders' efforts have so far been mostly are numerous and bred in large num­ rather reminds one ofa glorified Monte­ directed toward the breeding ofseed­ bers. Gouldians do extremely well, and Carlo casino! It is surrounded by elabo­ eating birds. Large numbers have been also Diamond Sparrows. There are only rate gardens, full ofmarble balustrades, reared annually since a few years, and a few Parrot Finches, and all African steps, pavements, statues, temples, etc., easily absorbed locally, umerous peo­ Waxbills are rare, although they do well. where some beautiful things stand ple have built aviaries in the Los Angeles Zebra Finches are common and very amongless happyefforts. There are mar­ district, and surplus birds can be quickly cheap; a silver and a white strain has vellous works ofart inside the castle, and disposed of. There are lots ofbird-shops been evolved. White andgreyjavaSpar­ three smaller guest houses. There, to and farms, some very large and well-fit­ rows are widespread. Other seed-eaters come back to our subject, one sees in ted, with numerous flights in their back are scarcertl1an in Europe. huge enclosures all sorts ofwild Cattle, gardens. The best are now "Flower's Doves ofall SOlts are more numerous Deer, Zebras and Antelope, Ostriches, Tropical Bird Farm", "Bird Wonderland", than they are with us, and do exceed­ Rheas, Emus, and Cassowaries at liberty, "Southern California Bird and Pet Ex­ inglywell. and that is well worth the visit. There is change". They have a very good assort­ Quite a few Amazon and Grey Par­ also a regular, if not very attractive, me­ ment ofBudgerigars, Canaries, Austra­ rots, Ring-necks, and Conures are bred nagerie with Tigers, Lions, Elephants, lian Finches, some African and Asiatic each season, and also Eclectus and Giraffes, Monkeys, etc. birds, many Mexican birds, and also a Ta nygnathus, and Cockatoos. Grass At a large poultry and game farm are a few rarities ofvarious origin, as well as Parrakeets, Lorikeets, and Broadtails in few fancy Pheasants, Ducks, and Par­ many Game birds, a few Waders, and general are reared in numbers; but there rots; butnotl1ingofspecial interest. Ihear Waterfowl, They usually have a large are very few King's, Crimson-wings, flight-cage in front. Blue-winged, Turquoisine, Rock-Pe­

The Birdkccper

AFA· P.O.Box 56218, Phoenix, AZ 85079-6218 birds bred in California, the rarer Par­ as well as Budgerigars, andall havea low (602) 484-0931 • fax (602) 484-0109 rakeets, Parrots, and Finches are vely value. I saw a few Madagascar and cheap, fetching about one-halfofEuro- Abyssinian Lovebirds, and some ofthe 50 ovember/December 1997 latter breed, although only on rare occa­ unicinctus), various Pheasants and edly for several years, but only one sions. Quails. young one was so far reared, all the oth­ As our members know well, it was Dr. R. A. Woods also possesses re­ ers dyingaftera coupleofdays. Mr. Lee is Lord Tavistock's enterprise that started markable birds, mostly Parrakeets, and nowtrying a newandmoreinsectilediet, Parrakeet breeding in California. The has great success with King's, Bourke's, which theyprobablyrequire. birds he sentseveral years ago have pro­ and other rare species, as well as with Dr. Leon Patrick, at Orange, is one of ducedmanyofthepresentinhabitantsof Finches. I noticed several All-green the first and most successful Parrot the Los Angeles aviaries. All aviculturists Tanagers, out ofdoors, in perfect condi­ breeders in California, and manyofLord ought to be grateful to him for such a tion, which is not often seen. Dr. Woods Tavistock's birds have been entrusted to happyinitiative. is also a keen field ornithologist and him. He has a choice collection, includ­ I stayed in South California with my oologist. ing several pairs of Norfolk Island, friend, Marquess Hachisuka, the well­ Other interesting collections of Pileated, and Derbyan Parrakeets. He knownJapanese ornithologist, who has Finches, Parrots, and Parrakeets are has just bred a hybrid Panama X Levail­ livedatPasadenaandLos Angelesfor the those of Mr. A. G. Orear, the editor of lant's Amazon. last eighteen months on account ofhis Aviculture; Mrs. V. Wright; Mrs. H. Scheu In the vicinity of San Diego, a very health, which, I am glad to say, is now (who has blueandyellow MaskedLove­ warmdistrict, we visited what is perhaps quite goodagain. birds); and Miss I. Maurois, to mention a the largest private collection ofParrots in The largest private collection ofbirds few I have visited. Mr. C. Naether has America, that ofMr. I. D. Putnam. He has in the district ofLos Angeles is perhaps some excellent Doves, which he is some 150 large outdoor compartments, that ofMr. W. J. Sheffler, a vice-president studying very carefully. Mrs. S. Tomlin­ built along walls in two rows facing one ofthe Aviculture Society, who is also a son, who has given up most ofher birds another, with a large space between keen ornithologist and egg collector. At after her husband's death, still has, in them. Mr. Putnam owns many pairs of his homehe has a beautiful semi-circular perfect condition after more than four different species of Australian Par­ aviaryfor small birds, consistingofa cen­ years, her wonderful male Anna Hum­ rakeets, including Brown's andPileated, tral house with eight flights radiating ming-bird, which lives in a large shel­ ofConures, Lories, Macaws, andCocka­ from it. There he keeps all sorts of tered aviary built along the wall ofthe toos, and a few others. There is a beauti­ Finches,Tanagers, andothersmall birds, house, full ofcreepers andbushes. Mr. S. ful tame Masked Shining Parrakeetfrom and also some Road-Runners, the curi­ Stevens, near Riverside, has a large and Fiji, hybrid Edward's X Blue Mountain ous desert Ground Cuckoos of the pretty aviary of two compartments, Lories, and also a few Game birds, south-west. It is one ofthe most varied where he keeps a fine mixed collection among them some Masked Bob-whites mixed collections of birds that I have ofseed- and soft food-eating birds. I no­ (Colinus ridgways), from Texas, a rare seen in the district, and artistically ticed there the finest Golden Oriole (the species. shown. Large box-cages arethe homeof Philippine race) that I ever saw, a de­ Fa'rther away from the city, on a pic­ someTahitian Blue Lories, which nested lightfully tame Plumed Ground Dove, turesque and rugged hill, Mrs. E. M. Ro­ last summer, but unfortunately resented and a lovely Tabuan Parrakeet [Red binson, an artist and animal lover, who inquisition andforsook theireggs. Some Shining Parrot]. lived manyyears inFrance, has large and miles away, but still in Los Angeles City Mr. and Mrs. B. Black have very large, fine aviaries inhabited by Tragopans, (one mustnotforget thatthecitylimits in­ wild aviaries, with many Pheasants, Pi­ otherrare Pheasants, andvarious birds. clude many towns, oil-fields, marshes, geons, Parrakeets, etc. For overtenyears In the San Fernando Valley, near Fill­ waste grounds, and cultivated tracts, its they have bredthe fine Otidiphaps nobi­ more, two ofthe best Californian collec­ diameterbeingsome 30 miles), Mr. Shef­ lis, andtheystill have eight ofthem. I no­ tions can be seen. Mr. F. H. Rudkin, who fler has built a large block of aviaries, ticed a gorgeous hybrid Borneo Fire­ left Englandsometwentyyears ago, pos­ walled-in, with a central house. They back X Swinhoe Pheasant. Mr. Black sesses a number of aviaries, some of consistoffour rows offlights, completed claims that theyreareda hybrid between them very roomy and high, and planted by a fifth row outside, and, in front, by a the Nicobar Pigeon and the Otidiphaps, with tall orange and other trees. He very large and high flight cage, contain­ which, unfortunately, Icould notsee. keepsa beautifulselectionofParrakeets, inga pondforWaterfowl. He keepsthere Mr. Howland, at the foot of his oil­ Finches, and other birds, and he breeds several species ofTree-Ducks, Teal, and wells, has a fine pheasantry, with many them most successfully; for instance, I small Ducks, Soutn African Sheldrakes, rare species. Mr.]. R. Gorton, the presi­ saw over fifty young Gouldians. There Currassows, a few male Pheasants, lots dent ofthe Game Breeders' Association, ofCockatiels, andDoves,Jays, andMag­ has a good mixed collection. Mr. W.]. Specializing in rare mutations. pies. In the numerous compartments Parsonson, a keen beginner, breeds and lovable, healthy. handfed babies. live manydifferentspeciesofParrakeets; Pheasants andthe smallerWaterfowl. Eric Antheunisse MealyRosellas andPennant'sbreedvery Mr. Gilbert Lee has been successful in freely, as well as differentCockatoosand breeding Grey Parrots and Eclectus for CEDAR HILL Conures. I noticed especially several several years, and he has quite a breed­ BmD Brown's [rosella], a pair ofNorfolk Is­ ing stock of them, as well as of some ENTERPRISES land's, Lucon Tanygnathus[Blue-naped other species ofParrots and Parrakeets. More than 70 Parrot], Mitchell's and Forsten's Thegemsofhis collectionarea newlyar­ species of birds Lorikeets, and hybrids with Swainson's. rived and exquisite pair ofMarquesan 30 types of Conures. 8 types of Cockatoos Blue Lories (Coriphilus smaragdinus) Macaws. Amazons & much morel There are also quite a number ofJay (707) 578-3976 Thrushes, MexicanJays, etc., and a fine [ultra marine], and a pair ofKuhl's Ruby 3442 Primrose Ave .. Santa Rosa, CA 95407 pair of Harris Hawks (Parabuteo Lories. These have been nesting repeat- afa WATCHBIRD 51 are, among other rarities, several and rears the young. In 1934 two were Chachalaca (Ortalis vetula), or Texas pileated Parrakeets and blue Masked bred and they look now almost like Guans, which all come from a dozen Lovebirds, the latter producedsuddenly adults. Last yearthe hen killed the chicks originally introduced birds, and breed by his normally coloured birds during through the wire partition, so that now freely in the trees, as well as some other the last breeding season. Mr. Rudkin the male and his brood are removedfar­ Game birds. loves his birds, which are all tame and ther away. This yearthere is anotherfine Another interesting establishment is seemto knowhimwell. chick. This achievement is almost the Catalina Island Bird Park. Catalina Is­ Not far from Mr. Rudkin's ranch, Mr. unique in aviculture, as there are only a landis about 20 miles from the SanPedro and Mrs~ Keith Spalding own a unique very few records ofCassowaries breed­ Harbour. It is a large, mountainous is­ collection on their large estate of "Ran­ ing in European zoos. Mr. W. Honsinger land, sufficiently well watered and cho Sespe." Nearly all the aviaries I have supervises with the greatest care and wooded, the property of the Wrigley been mentioning in South California are keenness the Rancho Sespecollection. family (of chewing-gum fame), who situated in towns or their suburbs, in The least said ofthe very poor public have developed it into a pleasure resort. small gardens, and, therefore, form very zooofLos Angeles the better, butthere is The late Mr. Wrigley, who was a keen compact blocks. At Rancho Sespe, in the anexcellent one at San Diego, very clev­ bird fancier, combined his taste with his open country, they have been built on a erly managed by Mrs. B. Benchley. It is interests and created-the Bird Park both larger scale, and remind one, more than very remarkable that a city of150,000 in­ for his amusementandas anattraction to others, ofthose ofour European parks. habitants has been able to promote and visitors. Since his death, it has been There is, not far from the house, an en­ can sustain such an important estab­ maintained mostly for the second rea­ closure with many pens and aviaries. A lishment. son. For many years the Bird Park was delightful little herdofexceedinglytame The San Diego Zoo occupies a large managed by Mr. E. H. Lewis, who is now little Reeve's Muntjacs, as well as many piece ofground in Balboa Park, all artifi­ organizing the Waikiki Bird Park at Game birds, runroundthe pensandbeg cially wooded (mostly eucalyptus and Honolulu. TheBird Park is situateda few for food in a very amusing way. In the acacias), with deep gullies and steep miles inland in a pretty and well-shel­ pens live rare Pheasants and Peacocks, hills, very picturesque. There are some tered valley, Itis a walled-in enclosure, Curassows, Cranes, etc., as well as many very good new buildings, but the great­ with a large and high round-shaped fly­ small birds, Doves, and Parrakeets. The est part ofthe accommodation is ofthe ing cage in front, and several paths with whole aspect is very pleasing, the aviar­ roomy, semi-wild, outdoor sort. There rows ofaviaries, all nicely built and laid ies beingwell kept and attractive. Avery are excellent and rare mammals, includ­ out. At the backthere is roomybreeding bright Red-shining Parrakeet, from Fiji, ing two wonderful mountain Gorillas; accommodation. The collection ofbirds attracted my attention, among many but the bird collection is particularly im­ is large and general, and contains very otherrarities. A long distance away, and portant. Parrots, particularly Lories good things. There are many Pheasants higherupon the slope ofthe hill, there is Cthereis a hybrid EoshistrioX E. bornea), and other Game birds, some Waterfowl, a very large Wader aviary and a Game are very numerous, all kept in outdoor Ostriches, Rheas, Cassowaries, various fann, with numerous roomypens; many aviaries, many breeding regularly. Cranes, and other Waders, different Pheasants and innumerable Peafowl Dovesandsmall birds are alsoveryinter­ Crowned Pigeons, Doves, a large num­ live and breed there, as well as what esting, and will soon be moved to new ber ofParrots, and many small birds, in­ made "Rancho Sespe" famous in the and better quarters. A pond is stocked cluding Birds of Paradise. Many birds avicultural world - a breeding pair of with some Waterfowl and, during the breed, and I noticed some curious hy­ Ceram Cassowaries and their offspring. winter, is crowded with wild migrants, brids: two beautiful Macaws (Blue and Themaleandthefemale live in adjoining mostly Pintails; it took these birds only a Yellow X Red and Blue), a lovely apricot pens, but separately: they can only be coupleofyears to find this quite small ar­ colour underneath, pale greenish blue safely puttogetherwhen the female is in tificial piece of water, hidden under above, muchprettierthan eitherparents; breeding condition, and for a few hours trees. A special feature ofthe zoo is the some Lories (Eos borneaX Tricoglossus at a time. Afterwards, thecock, muchthe two immense flying cages, built onsteep moluccanus), and Mikado X Swinhoe's smaller bird ofthe two, sits on the eggs slopes over large trees. One measures Pheasants. The collection is well cared 150 by 50 ft., andaccommodatesa mixed for byMr. D. G Mobley, andkeptupto its collection oflarge birds, among which standard, and it is quite an interesting are a Frigate Bird, which has lived there andprettyshowto the public, Itis onlyto WATCHBIRD BINDERS now for eight years, Kagus, Galapagos be regretted that the larger birds are not Hansome, sturdy binderholds a full year's issues of Gulls, all sorts ofHerons, Tree Ducks, keptin more roomyenclosures. TheWatchbird (6 issues).Of rich brown leather-like Ibises, Storks, Cranes, etc. Theotherone, I must stop here, and I fear that I have vinyl embossed in gold. $7 00 • each just completed, is larger still, and con­ not done justice to our American col­ C?NTINENTAL U.S. - Add $4.00 Shipping/Han­ tains Eagles and Vultures. The Birds of leagues; butourpagesare, alas, limited. I dllng for one binder. Add 75¢ for each additional binder. Preycollection is excellent, andInoticed hope, however, thatit will give ourEuro­ F?REIGN-Add$8.00 Shipping/Handlingforone especially four Galapagos Buzzards and pean members some idea ofwhat has bmder. Add $2.50 for each a~ditionaJ binder. Please rem~ in U.S.funds. a California Condor. The San Diego bird been achieved in the United States, Phoneorders accepted using •• collection, one ofthe best in America, mostly in the course ofthe last ten years, has the greatadvantage, owingto the cli­ which is quite remarkable. Also my nu­ American Federation of Aviculture P.O. Box56218 , mate, ofbeing kept in the open where merousAmericanbirdfriends, whogave Phoenix,Arizona85079-6218 they have a much better chance to be­ me such a cordial welcome, may find (602)484-0931 • fax(602)484-0109 comeestablishedandto breed.At liberty here a small tribute to their great kind­ in the grounds are literally hundreds of ness andhospitality. .,... 52 November/December 1997