ANATIDjE. 205 



What became of this rare bird I was unable to 

 ascertain, but I believe the skin was never preserved, 

 and that, after being admired as a ^ curiosity' it was 

 recklessly thrown away. 



Common Shelldrake [Tadorma vulpansa^). For 

 beauty of plumage and rich contrast of colour, 

 scarcely one of our wild fowl excels the Shelldrake ; 

 but unfortunately it is a rare visitor to the inland 

 counties, preferring a sandy coast, where it rears its 

 young in the deserted rabbit burrows. Hence the 

 name of Burrozu Duck, by which it is frequently 

 designated. 



I am informed by the Rev. H. Harpur Crewe that 

 he has several times seen this bird swimming about on 

 the large reservoirs near Drayton Beauchamp, where 

 it is an occasional winter visitant. Some years ago 

 a Shelldrake was shot on the Thames near Cookham, 

 but the precise date I have been unable to ascertain. 

 Mr. Sharpe states that during the winter of 1^6^-6^ 

 a Shelldrake was seen for several days in the neigh- 

 bourhood of Cookham. 



Eider Duck {Somateria mollissima). A rare 

 winter visitant to the southern parts of Great Britain, 

 although not uncommon in the north. 



The only occurrence of this species in either 

 county with which I am acquainted, is that mentioned 

 by the Rev. F. O. Morris, at Sunninghill, in Berkshire, 

 during a very severe frost. The principal food of 

 the Eider Duck is Crustacea, fish, and various marine 



