2oS THE GUN: AFIELD AND AFLOAT 



bird to be known variously by country folk as Spoon-bill, 

 Broad-billed duck, and Shovel-bill. Shovellers measure 

 20 in. in length, and weigh from i-Jlb. to iflb. 



TlIE WlGEON, Anas pcnelope, is the most abundant 

 of all the sea-going and surface-feeding ducks. Wigeon 

 are found in thousands around our coasts wherever the 

 food and environment are to their liking. They are 

 chiefly marine of habit, but now and again resort to the 

 fresh waters along the coast ; comparatively few remain 

 to breed in this country, those doing so are chiefly 

 located in the north of Scotland. These fine sporting 

 fowl commence to arrive from their northern breeding- 

 quarters about the end of September, and by the middle 

 of October thousands will have reached our coasts in 

 most seasons. With favouring winds and severe weather 

 in North Europe the number of these " regulars " may be 

 greatly augmented during November and December. 

 Several east-coast gunners regard the early arrival of 

 the Wigeon as a good omen. In Essex I have heard it 

 frequently asserted that unless these ducks appear in 

 tolerable numbers by Michaelmas Day they will not be 

 plentiful during the ensuing season. 



Whilst here, Wigeon are more nocturnal than diurnal 

 feeding duck ; they are often to be seen feeding in close 

 proximity to the Brent geese, and eating the same food, 

 the succulent roots and fronds of the grass-wrack. 

 Wigeon are also very fond of the short green grass 

 growing on the mud-banks along the foreshore. Curiously 

 enough, amongst sportsmen, the male and female 

 wigeon are termed cock and hen. The length of this 

 game and hardy duck is about 1 8 in. or 19 in., and the 

 weight ranges, according to the supply of food, from 

 if Ib. to 2 Ib. or a little over. Among professional shore- 



