54 
eventually settling on our mountains for breeding purposes. The 
arrival of four last year caused great excitement among the haaf-net 
fishermen on Burgh Marsh. ‘They took their guns the next tide 
to shoot them—but only to find them gone. They were seen on 
Rockliffe Marsh the next day, but the following they were gone. 
The Sanderling (C. avenaria), appears in small flocks as early as 
the beginning of September, and remains with us until the beginning 
of May. It is generally considered a spring and autumn visitor, 
but I have shot them both in December and January. On the 4th 
of January, last year, I shot two as far up the river as Grinsdale. 
I have every reason to believe that Sanderlings are frequently 
mistaken for Dunlins in the winter. I think it is impossible to 
distinguish the two at a distance, but they may easily be known 
when procured, by the want of the hind toe in the Sanderling. 
Of the Geese, the Barnacle (4. /eucopsis) is certainly the most 
common. Large flocks visit Rockliffe Marsh every winter for 
feeding purposes. They can only be approached under cover of 
darkness, when occasionally a good shot can be got; but it very 
often happens that after hours of patient stalking, some little 
mishap occurs, which gives the birds warning of their coming 
danger. They immediately rise with a shrill scream, which you 
can hear for miles as they continue their flight down the Solway, 
Their call is loud and shrill, but strikes agreeably on the ear when 
the cries of a large flock come from a considerable distance. The 
Brent is seen on the marshes in some years, but is quite an unusual 
visitor. A bird in the possession of Mr. Storey, Demesne, Castle- 
town, was shot on Rockliffe Marsh by John Allen, about twelve 
years ago. The Bean, or “Grey Goose,” as it is locally called 
(A. segetum), is met with in the winter months, thoug Mr. Dennis 
Mason has shot them in the end of April. The Goosander 
(JZ. merganser) is a regular visitant. Being a shy and very active 
bird, it is not easily obtained, as it neither allows a near approach, 
nor usually remains above water until the shot reaches it. As it 
is a heavy bird, with a very flat body, it has the appearance of 
sitting deep in the water. It is an apt diver, and remains long 
under the surface. Immature males and females predominate ; 
