238 BIRDS OF MIDDLESEX. 



visitant, never appearing in large flocks like some 

 others of the Duck trihe, but usually seen in little 

 parties of ten or a dozen. These parties keep much 

 by themselves, and seldom associate with the Com- 

 mon Wild Ducks and Mallards, as do the Pochard, 

 Teal, and some others, which, no doubt, is owing to 

 a difference in their habits and in the nature of their 

 food. The Goldenej^es are expert divers, and, from 

 their extreme wariness and the difficulty of ap- 

 proaching them, afford capital sport to the wild- 

 fowler. 



They generally keep out in the open water by 

 day, coming inshore to feed by night, where they 

 remain till morning. At early dawn, after feeding, 

 they appear lazy and disposed to remain alongshore, 

 so that, if there be an}'- cover to screen an approach, 

 the sportsman will find this the best time to get at 

 them. Col. Hawker, in speaking of these birds, 

 which in some places are called *' Curres," gives 

 the following good advice :* — " If you see a single 

 " Curre" by day, wlien he dives, yon must run ; and 

 the moment he comes up, squat doum. So jon may 

 go on till within ten j^ards of him, and then stand 

 ready to shoot him as he flies up, which he will do 

 on coming up again and seeing you suddenly appear 

 so close." 



I have found this plan very successful, not 



* * Instructions to Young Sportsmen,' p. 310. 



