266 NATURE NOTES. 
The Mallard (Anas boscas) is here, as might be expected, 
the commonest duck. In the breeding season it is not 
particularly common, but in winter large flocks appear 
on the shores of the Solway. 
The Teal (Wettion erecca) is migratory, and a few remain 
to breed. I record finding a nest containing ten eggs on 
18th May 1889. This nest was in a gorse bush, and at 
some distance from water. 
The Wigeon (JJareca penelope) comes to the estuary from 
the north in large numbers. None remain to breed. 
The Scaup (fuligula Marila) is rarely met with at any 
time; but on 25th May 1892 I saw a pair (male and 
female) of this species on Jordieland Loch, a small sheet of 
water a few miles north-east of the town of Kirkcudbright. 
Looking to the date, there is a strong presumption that these 
birds bred that year, either on the moor surrounding the 
loch, or at least somewhere in the vicinity, but unfortunately 
I am unable to state definitely whether or not, as I did not 
again see them. I am aware that this species has only 
once been proved to breed in Scotland,—in Sutherlandshire 
in 1899. J. W. PAYNE. 
THE LittLeE AvK (Mergulus alle). 
AmonG the interesting visitors which these recent severe 
spring gales have brought to us, not the least interesting 
is the Little Auk. This bird is comparatively rare any- 
where round our shores, but so far inland as this—some 
thirty-five miles as the crow flies—its occurrence has a 
special interest. On 8th February one was seen swimming 
languidly about in the calm water of the mill-dam at 
Hundalee, two miles above Jedburgh. It was at first 
supposed to be a Grebe (Podiceps minor), several of which 
have recently been seen in the Tweed at Kelso, but its 
characteristic manner of swimming rather deep and very 
much by the stern, as Mr Abel Chapman describes it, 
was noted, and when shot it was at once recognised. The 
