38 THE FOWLER IN IRELAND. 



that though the wind be from you to them, I have 

 heard the roar of sound transmitted a full mile and 

 more as they rose or pitched. The accumulation of 

 small noises is wonderful, when one of the compo- 

 nents would be inaudible. This is well shown in a 

 shoal of sea-fish, such as sprats, the sound caused by 

 their mouths at the top of the water giving the idea, 

 though fifty paces distant, of heavy pattering rain. 



When fowling on the tide, the Black-backed 

 Gulls are as Vultures of the sea, and scent plunder 

 from afar. They will attack a disabled Wigeon or 

 Teal, and tear it to pieces in a few seconds, ripping 

 open the breast as with a knife. Many a time have 

 they directed me where to seek a cripple, by hover- 

 ing over the spot, only to find its mangled remains 

 floating on the surface. They may be often seen 

 to lift their prey with the bill, a few yards into 

 the air, only to let it fall. They would like to carry 

 it to the land to feast at leisure, but their feet not 

 being formed for grasping, they cannot retain a hold 

 of their capture. 



The actions of Wigeon, when unsuspicious and 

 playful, are very interesting. They may be observed 

 dressing their feathers, washing, tossing the water 

 about, and nodding and bowing vis-a-vis like cocks 

 fighting. The old yellow-headed males may be 

 seen chasing the others, or ploughing and splashing 

 through the water after one another, and causing 

 great commotion in the ranks. Some will stand 

 up on end, the treading feet assisting them to main- 

 tain an upright attitude, without which the wings 

 could not be fanned and dried clear of the water. 

 At night Wigeon are very deceptive, a dozen birds 



