THE



Avicultural Magazine


BEING THE JOURNAL OF

THE AVICULTURAL SOCIETY

FOR THE STUDY OF

FOREIGN & BRITISH BIRDS

IN FREEDOM & CAPTIVITY



Third Series. —Vol. XI.—No. 4 .—All rights reserved. APRIL, 1920.


AVICULTURE AT THE SCOTTISH

ZOOLOGICAL PARK

By F. J. Hunter


This Park is comparatively new, as the laying out only began in

April, 1913 ; it was opened to the public in the following July. Com¬

prising about 74 acres, it is situated about three miles out of Edinburgh

on the southern slope of Corstorphine Hill. The site is beautiful, and

a glorious view can be obtained from it, with the picturesque Pentland

Hills in the distance. •


The following notes were made on a dull, cold February day :—


The first enclosure observed was large and open, with a suitable

pond and bushes ; it contained Widgeon, Gadwall, and Wild and

Muscovy Ducks, all of which were strolling about on land, with the

exception of the Ducks, which were thoroughly enjoying a bath in spite

of the coldness of the water.


The next enclosure was also large, and contained Bean, White-

fronted, Hybrid, Pink-footed, Grey-lag, Cereopsis, Upland, Brent,

Canadian and Chinese Geese, and Hybrid and Tufted Ducks. Here the

Ducks were again busy, dipping and diving for food from the bottom

of the pond. All the birds appeared to be very contented and in

excellent condition. Several were sleeping comfortably on the banks,

standing on one leg, with their heads well tucked into the plumage


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