110 the birds of cumberland. 



Genus CLANGULA. 



C. Glaucion. Goldeneye. 



The Goldeneye is a common winter visitant, 

 arriving on the Solway early in October, but 

 not generally distributed until the beginning of 

 November ; even then old drakes are scarce, 

 pointing to the conclusion, that they pass the 

 winter further north than females or birds of 

 the year. Goldeneyes are partial to the deeper 

 pools of our rivers, but it is chiefly odd birds which 

 are shot far inland. The Goldeneye feeds largely 

 in the early morning ; and the young, on their 

 arrival in October, are to be seen singly and in 

 couples, diving sedulously, and affording many a 

 chance to the fowler who is crafty enough to run in 

 whilst the birds are under water, and shoot them as 

 they come up and take wing. In severe weather, 

 Goldeneyes are loth to leave a favourite pool, and 

 may be seen diving as regularly as usual when the 

 greater part of the surface is crusted with ice. If 

 a shot be fired at a party of Goldeneyes, they rise 

 immediately, headed by one or two old drakes, the 

 white facial disks of which can easily be dis- 

 tinguished with a good glass, as they circle round 

 the waters. One of the best places in North 

 Cumberland to study the Goldeneye is Monkhill 

 lough, where a score or so of Goldeneyes may 

 generally be observed from November to April. 

 In 1884 and 1885, a few Goldeneyes lingered until 

 quite the end of April on Monkhill lough, constantly 

 frequenting the deeper portions of the water, but 

 seldom associating with Coots or other fowl. Old 



