306 BIRDS OF ARRAN. 



128. NATATORES. 



GRAY-LAG GOOSE (Anser ferus). Mr. Mackenzie informs 

 me that this species is met with occasionally on the lochs. 

 It is also mentioned in Blain's MSS. 



Obs. Though I have no doubt of the bean goose, the 

 pink-footed goose, white-fronted goose, the bernicle, and 

 brent goose, all occurring occasionally' within the limits of 

 the county of Bute, I have no authentic information of any 

 specimens having been killed and examined during the last 

 ten years. The older writers vaguely speak of wild geese 

 occurring in their parishes, without being able to distinguish 

 the species. It may be mentioned, however, that the 

 bernicle is catalogued by Mr. Blain, shewing that it at 

 least had been recognized. 



HOOPER or WILD SWAN (Cygnus ferus). None of these 

 birds are ever now observed in Arran. Writing in 1793 

 from the parish of Kilmory, the Rev. J. Hamilton says : 

 " We have transient visits of the swan in winter." Wild 

 swans, however, regularly visit Renfrewshire and some 

 parts of Ayrshire, and they may occasionally fly past Arran, 

 as in days of yore. I examined six specimens of Bewick's 

 swan, from Ayrshire and Argyleshire, in January and 

 February, 1871, and other five were about the same time 

 procured in Dumfriesshire. Later still namely, in October, 

 1871 I saw two wild swans flying at a moderate elevation, 

 and apparently crossing from Arran towards the Heads of 

 Ayr. 



COMMON SHELLDRAKE (Tadorna vulpanser). This beauti- 

 ful bird is plentiful at the south end of Arran, where it 

 breeds. It is also frequently seen off Pladda. In Mr. Blain's 

 account it is likewise included as having been found in Bute 

 at the time he wrote. 



WILD DUCK (Anas boschas). Abundant throughout the 

 district. 



TEAL (Anas crecca). Common; a few breed in the 

 marshes. 



