The Avifauna. 83 



hatched and reared by a small decoy duck. Tufted 

 ducks occasionally breed in confinement. 



Golden-Eye Duck are occasionally found, but not 

 nearly in such numbers as they were some years a^o. 

 Old drakes are wide awake, and generally contrive to 

 take care of themselves. Only once have we suc- 

 ceeded in securin<( one, thouj^h females and young 

 birds are easily and frequently bagged. 



The Scaup Duck is a common visitor in the 

 spring months, large numbers frequenting Dudding- 

 ston. They resemble the pochard, with this excep- 

 tion, that their heads and necks are black instead 

 of brown. 



The Moor-hen, or Water-hen as it is commonly 

 called, is very numerous at the loch referred to. The 

 same remark applies to the Coot. Both are ex- 

 tremely interesting birds. 



The Quail, though no doubt rare, is occasionally 

 found in the district. When partridge-shooting a few 

 years ago in a turnip-field, the dog made a dead 

 point, and a covey of seven (juail rose on our 

 approach. 



