NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGO\V. 311 



The Wild Duck {Anas hoschas). 

 Abundant everywhere. We have seen very large flocks comhig 

 up from the coast at twilight to the potato pits on some Ayrshire 

 farms, where they committed much mischief. On the private 

 ponds tliey take up their quarters throughout the winter niontlis, 

 and, if unmolested, often remain to breed in the vicinity. 



The GtARGANey (Anas qiierqiiedula). 

 We have been informed by the Eev. George Wilson of Glen- 

 luce, that a specimen of this beautiful duck, which he had an 

 opportunity of examining, was shot in the Bay of Luce 

 in 18G7. 



The Teal {Anas crecca). 

 Also common. In hard winters it ascends the course of the 

 frozen rivers, and is often taken in the neighbourhood of mill- 

 ponds where the water is kept running. Dr Anderson procured 

 several beautiful males, by making an opening in the ice, a few 

 winters ago, and keeping a look-out for the birds as they halted 

 in their flight before alighting at the spot. 



The Wigeon {Anas ijenelopc). 

 A very common winter visitant, appearing in September or 

 October, and leaving in March or April. This species sometimes 

 pairs early, and in these particular seasons they disappear sooner. 



The Eider Duck {Somateria moIUssima). 



This large and conspicuous bird is very seldom procured. It 



may occur much oftener than we suppose, but being strictly of 



marine habits, few persons have an opportunity of shooting it. 



So far as we can learn, it does not breed anywhere in our district. 



The Velvet Scoter {Oidemia fusca). 

 Very rarely observed on the coast, and very few specimens are 

 ever obtained. It is better known as a winter visitant to the 

 eastern shores of Scotland. 



- The Common Scoter {Oidemia nigra). 



Equally scarce with the preceding, and almost never procured, 

 although readily enough distinguished when seen. 



