164 BIRDS OF THE HUMBER DISTRICT. 



those of Walton, Scarborough, Home, and Meaux, 

 in the East Riding, ceased to be used about the com- 

 nencement of the present century. 



The Wild Duck nests about the middle of April ; 

 and I have known the young strong on the wing by 

 the end of July. During the time the Ducks are 

 sitting the drakes pack together and frequent the 

 nearest piece of water. In one summer, about ten 

 years ago, I am told that eleven drakes, probably 

 representing as many sitting Ducks, came daily into 

 the Ashby pond. 



This species is subject to considerable variety. In 

 the 'Zoologist' for 1864, p. 9047, I have described 

 an abnormally coloured female killed on the Humber 

 near Ferriby Sluice, having the entire plumage made 

 up of pale tints, buffs and greys, and with a complete 

 absence of the speculum, or beauty spot, on the wing. 

 Another, also a female, which I killed in the Stallin- 

 borough marshes, differed from the ordinary type in 

 having the plumage some shades darker, and on the 

 lower neck and portion of the breast had a crescent- 

 shaped spot of pure white*. Several varieties of the 

 Common Duck have at various times been seen and 

 captured on the Ashby Decoy. I am informed that 

 one Duck, conspicuous from having a white neck, 

 spent eight winters there. And there was also a 

 curiously spotted Duck which visited it regularly for 

 four or five years. I have seen others from Ashby 

 * Zoologist, 1869, p. 1906. 



