Collection of Data.

When all available data hitherto recorded on the dates of initial appearance of the Shining Cuckoo in different parts of New Zealand were collated it was not found possible to derive sufficiently clear conclusions. Reports were scattered over a period of some fifty years and could not be compared one with another; for it is futile to attempt to correlate observations made in one district in one year with those made elsewhere in a different year. A complete series of records for the whole country in any one year was lacking. Consequently a mesh of observers throughout New Zealand was organised to study the arrival of the birds during the spring and summer of 1945–46. With the co-operation of the Forest and Bird Protection Society 5,000 questionnaire forms were distributed prior to the expected appearance of the birds. Altogether 223 observers forwarded useful reports. Each report was scrutinised, and any doubtful or improbable returns were referred to the observer concerned for further explanation, and if not capable of substantiation were discarded. It is felt that although more data would have been desirable, nevertheless sufficient co-ordinated records were obtained to justify the conclusions drawn.