THE BIRDS OF THE BERMUDAS. 35 
that consequently the birds seen may possibly have belonged to 
the former species. 
Branta canadensis, Canada Goose. —Included in the list given in 
‘““The Naturalist in Bermuda,’’ but with no information appended. 
It has been occasionally seen, but rarely obtained, in the islands. 
It was observed on three occasions during my stay, one being seen 
on Peniston’s Pond in the autumn of 1874, one in the Great Sound 
on the 10th January, 1875, by the officers of the 53rd Regiment, 
as they were leaving the islands on their homeward journey, and 
a third near Daniel’s Head by Lieuts. Denison and Hussey, R.E., 
early in February, 1875. A man of colour was seen by these two 
officers to fire at the last-named bird; but he stupidly let drive at 
it, with small shot too, at a hundred and twenty yards, instead of 
paddling much nearer to it, as he might have done. <A wild Goose, 
weighing ten pounds when plucked, was shot in Southampton parisn 
on the 7th January, 1875, and eaten forthwith by the fortunate 
gunner or his friends. This undoubtedly belonged to the present 
species, but cannot be definitely recorded. 
Anas boschas, Mallard; Wild Duck.—A female was shot by an 
officer of the 56th Regiment at Warwick Pond on November 3rd, 
1854. It was in company with some tame ducks, always taking 
wing the moment anyone approached the water (Nat. in B., p. 48). 
Four—a Mallard and three Ducks—were observed in the Great 
Sound by Lieut. Hussey, R.E., on the 23rd December, 1874. 
Anas obscura, Dusky Duck ; Black Duck.—Usually visits Bermuda 
in small numbers in the autumn, remaining till the end of January 
or even later. A flock of twenty fre: rented Harrington Sound and 
Peniston’s Pond from Christmas, 1871, to February 15th, 1872 (J. 
M. Jones). Specimens were obtained by Lieut. Denison and myself 
in January, 1875, when there were a good many about. They are 
always very shy, and when disturbed frequently fly a long way out 
to sea. 
Dafila acuta, Pintail.—Several specimens were obtained, all in 
immature plumage, in the winter of 1847-8. Mr. Bartram has a 
male in full plumage, shot by himself near St. George’s. [A female 
Pintail was shot by Gibbs in S:nith’s Marsh on the 26th October, 
1875.—H. D.] 
Chaulelasmus streperus, Gadwall.—A female Gadwall was captured 
alive in December, 1849, and was in the possession of Mr. Hurdis 
till May, 1851, associating with some tame ducks and laying several 
2 of eggs, none of which, however, proved fertile (Nat. in B., 
p. 47). 
Mareca americana, American Wigeon.—After a revolving gale in 
October, 1854, several of these birds were shot, and brought for 
examination to Mr. Hurdis, who obtained one himself in the 
following month (Nat. in B., p. 49). Two were shot at Devonshire 
Bay by Corporal Alder, R. E., in October, 1874. 
Querquedula carolinensis, Green-winged Teal.—This is an occa- 
sional visitor in autumn. One was shot at Peniston’s Pond on 
October 10th, 1874, and a few days later I stalked another in vain 
at the same place. Capt. Rooke, 53rd Regiment, shot one in 
Devonshire Swamp in November, 1874, I am not aware of the 
