l6o WIGEON. 



bars, and links, and in the breeding season the flocks collect together, 

 and breed in the rabbit holes amongst the sand hills of the coast. 

 They are hence called " Burrow Ducks," and their nests are often 

 eight or ten feet from the entrance. By noting the footmarks of 

 the birds at the entrance of the hole, their nests are found, and the 

 eggs taken and set under hens, and thus the young ducklings are 

 procured, and reared for taming on ornamental ponds. The Shel- 

 drake is very active. He walks and runs almost as well as the Gulls, 

 and flies more easily and lightly than any other Ducks. His food 

 consists chiefly of shell-fish, small fishes, spawn, sandhoppers, sea 

 worms, marine insects, and sea-weed. The note is a shrill whistle. 

 The Duck is very wary, and not easily approached until half starved 

 by the freezing of the shell-fish. They are not much sought after, 

 however, for their flesh is dark in colour, and unpleasant in smell 

 and flavour. 



The Sheldrake is rarely seen inland, but after stormy, severe 

 weather, they are sometimes met with in Herefordshire. The two 

 specimens in the Museum were shot in the Wye ; one at Moccas in 

 1879, and the other at Whitney in 18 82. 



[Tadorna casarca — Ruddy Sheldrake. 

 A rare visitor. 



[Genus — .Ex.] 



[^x SPONSA — Summer Duck.] 



An escape. 



Genus— MARECA. 

 MARECA PENELOPE— WiGEON. 



Fled the Wigeon from the stream. 



Bennett. 



The Wigeon is an excellent bird on the table, and since 

 mimense numbers visit this country every winter, it is a valuable 



