CATALOGUE OF BIRDS. 



held fast. It must have been flying up the dike, and, 

 brushing too closely to the reeds that grew on the 

 banks, been caught in the manner described, 



The struggles of the captive had broken down the reed, 

 which was lying flat on the water, except when lifted 

 up by the victim in his vain attempts to escape. On 

 being cleared from his unpleasant position he flew oft", 

 apparently none the worse for the mishap. 



The specimens in the case were shot between Shore- 

 ham and Lancing, in Sussex, in January, 1871, the 

 case itself being copied from a small sluice on the 

 saltings in Shoreham Harbour. 



SHIELDUCK. 



Case 46. 



These birds are abundant on many parts of the coast. 

 They may be found as residents, however, more com- 

 monly in the northern than in the southern division of 

 the island ; but in severe weather they are frequently 

 driven from their usual haunts, and make their appear- 

 ance on any open water. 



In some quarters they are known as " Burrow 

 Ducks," their name being derived from their habit of 

 breeding in rabbit warrens, the nest being usually 

 placed at a depth of four or five feet in the burrow. 



By the time the young are hatched, the parent birds 

 (the females especially) generally present a very dirty 

 and ragged appearance ; the confined entrance and 

 passage to their nursery most probably being the main 

 cause of their threadbare condition. 



Most waterfowl conduct their newly-hatched young 

 tinder the shelter of the reeds or long grass that may 



