CHAPTER XXX 



DIVING-DUCKS 



The diving-ducks form a subdivision of what I have 

 termed the game-ducks, and are a well-defined and im- 

 portant little group, comprising several handsome species, 

 and forming a regular (though minor) component in the 

 objective of the coast-gunner. 



From the nature of their avocations, the diving-ducks 

 are almost entirely day-feeding fowl, since they require 

 light for their subaquatic avocation. Those which prey 

 on animal-food — living crustacea and other creatures 

 which require catching — are exclusively diurnal in their 

 habits ; but one or two species, such as the pochard, 

 whose food consists of grass and vegetable substances, 

 exhibit nocturnal proclivities. In the main, however, the 

 diving-ducks are of diurnal habits, and are consequently- 

 met with during the day inside the harbours or estuaries ; 

 in short, they occupy by day the situations then vacated 

 by the game-ducks. 



The presence of these fowl "inside" is, in winter, a 

 distinctive feature in the sport of punt-gunning. The 

 programme of the wildfowler at that season is practically 

 limited as follows : — By night alone is it that he can hope 

 to obtain chances at mallard, wigeon, etc. By day these 



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