4 THE FOWLER IN IRELAND. 



decidedly rare ; the largest and smallest of the 

 Grebes frequent. Such isolated occurrences as 

 those of the Buffel-headed Duck, the American 

 Wigeon, Mandarin, Summer Duck, and Ferruginous 

 Duck, to be afterwards noted, need not be alluded 

 to here. These species cross the path of the fowler 

 so seldom, that nothing useful could be imparted as 

 to their habits, and for information concerning them 

 many excellent modern works on birds may be 

 consulted. As a rule, such rare visitants are easily 

 approached, being driven by violent gales or severe 

 frosts from their usual haunts. When first seen 

 they are probably resting and feeding after a 

 wearisome journey, and are oblivious to sights and 

 sounds that would at once scare other fowl. As a 

 case in point may be noted the occurrence of the 

 Red-crested Duck (Fuligula rufina\ a specimen of 

 which was shot within a quarter of a mile of the 

 large town of Tralee, as recorded by me in " The 

 Zoologist," 1 88 1, p. 143, and is now in my collection. 

 Strange birds, if fired at without success on their 

 first arrival, will often pitch again at no great 

 distance, and thus afford another chance ; after 

 being chased a few times they soon learn caution. 

 It is desirable, therefore, to get as close as possible 

 in the first attempt, and not to fire a long and 

 hazardous shot in the anxiety to procure a valuable 

 specimen. Rather go boldly up with due caution, 

 and the chances are an easily won prize is secured. 

 Let the fowler or shore-shooter never miss the 

 chance of securing a rarity. If a rich man, the 

 pleasure afforded when presenting his capture to a 

 collecting friend, or to some public museum, will 



