Zoology. 1 59 



tember 1819 (Thompson), and "another was shot out of a 

 flock of six near Bushmills, in autumn 1853" (Ussher). 

 The first Spoonbill recorded in Ireland was shot at Bally- 

 drain Lake, near Belfast, a few years previous to 1808 

 (Thompson). It has not occurred since in the district. 



Anseres. — Although the Grey Lag-Goose probably 

 bred in the Ards district (Co. Down) in the eighteenth 

 century, it is now only a very rare winter visitor. The 

 ^^'hite-fronted Goose is generally met with in varying numbers 

 each winter ; but the Bean-Goose is decidedly local and 

 scarce : it has been shot on Rathlin. I he Bernacle Goose 

 is rare ; but owing to the next species (Brent) being always 

 called "Barnacle" locally, it is difficult to trace the exact 

 distribution of the true Bernacle. A flock of about 500 

 Bernacle was observed passing Portrush by Ogilby in March 

 1876, that probably came from Donegal. The Brent Goose 

 is very common in winter in Larne and Strangford Loughs, 

 sometimes in large flocks, but has recently diminished in 

 Belfast Lough ; great numbers are often seen in the local 

 markets. The Whooper Swan has occurred in both counties, 

 but is rare; a flock of 25 has been seen ofi" Rathlin. 

 Bewick's Swan is much more common, and has frequently 

 been obtained ; considerable numbers have been seen on 

 Lough Neagh in winter. [The *Mute Swan breeds in 

 several places along the Lagan Canal and also on mill dams 

 and lakes. In hard weather they may be found on marine 

 loughs.] 



The ducks are well represented in the district. Some- 

 times occurring in large flocks in winter, the *Common 

 Sheld-Duck has several breeding-places in both counties : 

 e.g., Strangford Lough, Ballyhornan Bay, mouth of the 

 Bann, and several places on Lough Neagh. The Ruddy 

 Sheld-Duck has only occurred once, in March 1888, when 

 three were seen and one was shot in Strangford Lough. 

 The *Mallard is a common breeding bird, whose numbers 

 are vastly increased in winter, when large flocks may be 

 seen on Lough Neagh. The same may be said of the *Teal, 

 although not so common at any season. Both species 

 breed on Rathlin. The Gadwall is a scarce winter visitor. 

 The *Shoveler, which seems to be increasing in Ireland, has 



