Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 2 (1878).djvu/196

174 complained loudly of the shooting season of 1877–78; and their annoyance was much aggravated by the early closing of the season, on the 15th February, by the 'Wild Fowl Preservation Act.'

Although a few Wigeon appeared on the 9th October they only remained for a day or two, and I did not see any others until the 29th of that month. The main flight did not arrive until November, when they appeared in their usual numbers, and I perceived no scarcity of birds throughout the winter. Last season I noticed Wigeon remaining about the estuary and river up to the 20th April; but this spring they appear to have taken their departure a fortnight earlier, none being observed since April 6th.

Wild Ducks visited the bay and estuary in much smaller numbers this winter than usual, and many large flocks seen at early morning moving from their inland feeding-grounds, to pass the day on the quiet waters of the bay, were not observed on flight this season.

Pintails were also very scarce, only two or three having been observed throughout the winter, although parties of eight or ten are usually seen associating with the wigeon. Neither Long-tailed Ducks nor Pochards were observed in the bay or estuary this season, though on the 23rd April, 1875, I saw a pair of the firstnamed ducks near Killala, and shot the female.

The Scaup, so common in some parts of Ireland, is a rare visitor to the Moy Estuary. I shot a young male on the 23rd October; it showed no indications of assuming the adult plumage, save an odd green feather showing here and there on the head. This bird was the smallest specimen of the Scaup I ever shot, being only seventeen inches in length. I came across a duck of this species a few days after, and on the 3rd November a little party of three fine old males.

Sheldrakes, I am happy to say, are increasing in numbers, owing to the protection afforded them in their breeding haunts by Captain Kirkwood, of Bartragh. Ten fine birds haunted the sands throughout the winter, and there is now every probability that several pairs will nest this summer in the sandy rabbit-burrows of that island.

Great Northern Divers appeared as usual, and none of their favourite stations were unoccupied this winter. Red-throated