312 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



The Pochard, or Dun Bird (FuUgula nifijia). 

 A well-known winter visitant to our estuaries at twiliglit. 

 During the day-time it frequents fresh-water lochs at some dis- 

 tance inland, and is sometimes procured in quantities by poachers, 

 who watch their opportunity for a raking shot. 



The Scaup Duck (FuUf/ula marila). 

 Frequents the open sea chiefly during the day-time, coming 

 shorewards in the evening. It appears to be somewhat irregular 

 in numbers — some winters the flocks are tolerably numerous ; at 

 other times a pair or two only are seen. 



The Tufted Duck {FuUgiila cristata). 



Strictly a winter visitant; frequenting the open sea in fine 

 weather, and coming up the larger rivers during storms. It is 

 also found on our lochs and ponds, especially those not far from 

 the coast. 



Obs. — Although the Long-tailed Duck (F. glacialis) is found in 

 considerable numbers in the Hebrides, Ave have never had an 

 opportunity of seeing it in our district. 



The Golden Eye {Fuligula clangula). 

 Tliis fine species is rather common with us at times. It is, 

 perhaps, more frequently met with in Wigtownshire than in Ayr- 

 shire, but cannot be called rare in the latter county. Most of the 

 specimens we have seen were young birds and females. 



The Smew. 

 So far as we know, this beautiful bird has occurred but once in 

 Wigtownshire, a male having been shot, in March, 1855, on Castle 

 Kennedy Loch, near Stranraer. For this record we are indebted 

 to the Rev. George Wilson of Glenluce. 



The Red breasted Merganser {Mergus serrator). 



Breeds sparingly in both counties. In the winter season it is 

 often shot on the sea-coast. 



The Goosander {Mergus merganser). 



In spring time very handsome specimens of this fine bird are 

 obtained on our lochs and rivers. 



