THE 



FOWLER IN IRELAND. 



CHAPTER I. 



Introductory Surface Ducks and Diving Ducks Changes of Plum- 

 ageMode of Flight Wildfowl-shooting. 



THE various species of wildfowl which come under 

 the head of Ducks, and which form the principal 

 objects of pursuit with the wildfowl shooter, may be 

 conveniently divided into two groups the surface- 

 feeding Ducks and the diving Ducks. Among the 

 former are the Mallard, Wigeon, Teal, Garganey, 

 Pintail, Shoveller, Gadwall, and Sheldrake ;* among 

 the latter the Pochard, Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, 

 Scaup, and Scoter, of which last-named three 

 species visit the British Islands. 



Apart from their distinctive coloration, members 

 of the latter group may usually be recognized from 

 those of the former by the well-developed and 

 broadly-webbed hind-toe, which materially assists 

 their progress under water. 



The surface-feeding Ducks, as a rule (with the 

 exception of Wigeon, which keep to the tide), spend 



* The Sheldrake, strictly speaking, is not a true duck, but is here 

 grouped with them for convenience. 



B 



