56 
An instance of the Shoveller (.S. c/yfeata) breeding within a short 
distance of Burgh-by-Sands was recorded in 1886, and another nest 
was found last year. I have had specimens in the flesh since ; 
they have all been in female plumage. 
The Tufted Duck (/ cristata) is a rare visitor.* The Pintail, 
though formerly common to the marshes, is now scarce ; but two 
have been shot within the last month on the Eden. <A few Poch- 
ards (/ ferina) are shot every year. Scaups some years are fairly 
numerous ; in the winter of 1886-7, for instance, there was a good 
number up as far as Rockliffe Marsh—more plentiful on the Esk 
side than the Eden. Being essentially a sea-duck, it is not often 
met with far up our river; but early last December I shot a fine 
female as far up the Eden as the flat water between Grinsdale and 
the Coops stream. 
Two out of the three Scoters have come under my notice. The 
Common or Black Scoter (CZ. mzgra) is to be found every winter. 
Sometimes only a single specimen is recorded ; in other years they 
appear in small flocks of two or three together. I saw five in 
March, 1886, as far up the river as Grinsdale Island. I have 
specimens in my collection shot by my brother, who has been 
more fortunate than I in shooting Common Scoters. A bird 
erroneously recorded as a Velvet Scoter in the “Carlisle Journal,” 
was shot by William Railton in September last. The only Velvet 
Scoter (C2. fusca) which I have seen in the flesh is the one which 
I shot on the Eden, close to my home, on the 22nd December, 
1886. I had a good opportunity of observing this bird, as I 
watched it for more than an hour before going for my gun. The 
habits are exactly the same as the Common Scoter. It took 
several flights, but never rose more than two feet above the water ; 
it flew with considerable speed, moving its wings very rapidly, and 
always alighting hind end first. It sat lightly on the water, swam 
with moderate speed, was a wonderful diver, and remained a long 
time under the water. It rose at a very small angle, striking the 
* The Tufted Duck has often been shot off Burgh Marsh Point, but prefers 
inland waters such as afford its favourite diet of aquatic plants, which are absent 
from the estuary. —M, 
