Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 2 (1898).djvu/185

Rh But it is the species of Duck breeding on the meres in everincreasing numbers that give the locality such an interest for British ornithologists. Besides the Mallard and Teal, which are not uncommon in other localities, the Gadwall, Shoveler, Garganey, Pochard, and Tufted Duck here nest in the solitude and peace of the "breck" district. Eight drake Shovelers have been flushed on Langmere at one time in the breeding season. And in the stillness of the summer night the music of the meres is weird and strange to unaccustomed ears. The low contented quacking of the Mallard and Gadwall, the "knack" of the Garganey, the "kree-ah" of the Black-headed Gull, the low whistle of the Pochard, the "crek-rek-rek" of the Moorhen, the "currugh-currugh" of the Tufted Duck as he shifts his quarters, the clear ringing, oft-repeated "koo" of the Coot, the "whit-whit" of the Dabchick, and the harsh "kek" of the Loon, added to the wailing and whistling of the heathland birds, the lapping of the waters, and the soughing in the pine trees,—who could not wish for such nights o'er again. May memories of the meres never be less pleasing than now!