GARGANEY. PA 
In Scotland six specimens were obtained in Stirlingshire, 
during the last fortnight of March, 1841. 
In Orkney a few appear in the spring. 
In Ireland it is extremely rare, and the same observation 
is applicable to Wales. 
_ The Garganey resorts to low watery lands, and only 
occasionally to the neighbourhood and estuaries of the sea-coast. 
It is a migratory or moveable species, in the spring and 
autumn months, and is seen with us on these occasions, most 
so, it is said, in the former, for a brief space during each 
‘changing scene.’ Those that occur are probably stray 
individuals, which have been driven out of their ordinary 
course. The vernal migration is made in March and April, 
and the autumnal in October and November. They travel 
by night, and in small parties. 
The Garganey is considered a remarkably delicate bird for 
the table. It is not very shy in its habits, and soon becomes 
tame in confinement. Meyer says ‘During the days the present 
species conceals itself on the water, among flags and weeds 
that abound on the borders of lakes and ponds, ditches and 
rivers; it may also sometimes be met with feeding in a low 
meadow or field. Its time for roosting is the middle of the 
day, and it takes its rest either on the water, or standing 
and squatting among the long grass in meadows. Towards 
the dusk of evening, and mostly earlier than other Ducks, 
it starts from its retreat to the usual feeding ground, among 
which, pools, occasioned by heavy rain and thawed snow, 
form a favourite resort; there the Garganey Teal busies itself 
throughout the night, until the approach of daylhght reminds 
it that its safety becomes endangered. 
The Garganey Teal is not conspicuous for the bright colouring 
of its plumage, but, on near inspection, it will be found 
to be one of the most beautifully marked of its family, 
and its general appearance is graceful; its capacities, in the 
way of swimming and walking, are equal in every respect 
to those of the foregoing species. Its flight is exceedingly 
buoyant, sometimes very quick, and it is said to be capable 
of evolutions that are peculiar to itself; these are, that the 
bird rolls occasionally over and over in the air, shewing to 
the beholder first its under, and then its upper parts. Its 
flight when on its migratory journey is performed in a straight 
progress, and when a small number or family are together 
on the wing, they form a sort of line, but the individuals 
