108 NOTES FROM THE ROCKS. 



raveu-blaek plumage contrasting in a remarkable degree with the white foamino- 

 waves. The shore of Dunbar is frequented by eight or nine members of the 

 family, all of which are familiar to us; we have even identified the different 

 individuals, by the aid of a telescope, when collected in large flocks during the 

 day-time in calm weather, and floating at no great distance from the shore. 

 These congregations are often very numerous, comprising at a moderate estimate, 

 several hundred birds. On being watched for a time, a score of them are seen 

 to disappear at once, and on their emerging above water, down goes another 

 party to hunt for prey. Now and then a few will rise on wing, but soon 

 settle on nearly the same spot 'mid their companions; and as each heaving wave 

 lifts its head, a long train of birds come in sight, and then sink on the other 

 side. A ball from our rifle has often been the means of dispersing such like 

 communities; evei-y Duck hid itself immediately as it hissed in the middle 

 of a flock, or whizzed over their heads; and when they reappeared on the 

 surface, scarcely two were in company; then they would take flight, and, 

 after collecting, would settle out of harm's reach, and begin again their 

 fishing operations. Towards evening they break up into small flocks, and 

 betake themselves, some by flight, and others by swimming, to estuaries and 

 other level parts of the shore, to search for food. We are doubtful, however, 

 if all are night-feeders; during the course of our shooting experience we never 

 met with the Ice Duck, (Ilarclda (jlucialis,) nor the Eider, {Sovialeria 

 moUssinia,) at night, in situations where others were abundant; but, we must 

 add, the loud cry oi' the former is often heard after dusk, especially in 

 stormy weather. 



Most of the species can dive to a great depth in search of their prey, and 

 are consequently not so dependent on shallow water as some others of a 

 diiferent family, which only immerge the head and neck. They may be seen 

 fishing a long way off shore in the day-time, for crabs and moUusca, which 

 they swallow on reaching the surface, and when so employed in small parties, 

 the sportsman may frequently get within shot, as they are slow to get on 

 wing, and will rather attempt to escape by diving. 



We remember noticing, one afternoon, a large flock of Ducks swinnning 

 quite close to the beach, in a very retired situation; and seeing one or two 

 well-known forms of the Fuligulinuc amongst them, we at first imagined they 

 all belonged to that family, but, on using a telescope, we discovered the 

 majority to be grain-feeding species, the Mallard,.^ Teal, Widgeon, etc. 

 The cause of their meeting was soon explained; — a schooner, laden with 

 barley, had been wrecked near the spot a few days previously, and its cargo 

 strewn aroimd, which had furnished a very opportune meal. It is probable 

 the Pochards had been drawn into their society while passing, as birds both 

 at sea and on the beach will often stop short in their flight to join 

 others, though not of the same species. 



(To be continued.) 



