CHAPTER II. 



Habits of Wildfowl Effects of Weather Mode of Feeding Edible 

 Qualities Provincial Names Shooting in Wexford Harbour. 



NOTHING causes restlessness in wildfowl so much 

 as wind, especially if south or west. North and 

 east winds do not affect them to the same extent. 

 The latter winds bring the birds in the beginning of 

 winter, and after their arrival they are not so dis- 

 turbed by a blow from these points, as they invariably 

 are by the milder breezes. Gales from any direction 

 will cause fowl to huddle up under a lee shore ; they 

 are then fairly tame, and reluctant to quit shelter 

 for the open. In rain and wind they are very rest- 

 less and alert. The wind lifting the feathers, the 

 cold drops penetrate to the skin, and the birds may 

 be seen constantly smoothing their ruffled plumage 

 to keep out the falling moisture. Geese are never 

 so wild as in a storm of snow or wet. Their 

 feathers are large and loose and blow about more 

 than do those of Ducks. Besides, the latter are 

 oftener in the water, and in violent storms can 

 obtain food in the sheltered shallows. But Geese 

 usually walk out, however hard it may blow, and are 

 therefore more exposed to elements of discomfort. 

 On perfectly calm water, whether caused by frost 



