The Zoologist — April, 1866. 177 



believe it on account of the sraallness of the size and the dullness of 

 the plumage. 



TVild Duck. — January 26lh. A very large flock observed this 

 morning in Saudovvn Bay ; they were, as usual, unapproachable. 



February, 1866. 



Missel Thrush. — Observed to be paired early in the month. 



Rook, Magpie, Sgc. — February 11th. A fearful south-westerly storm 

 has to-day brought many of our finest old elms to the ground. One 

 of gigantic growth (referred to at Zool. 0500) is 6 feet 7 inches in dia- 

 meter at eight feet from the ground, just below the fork, though five 

 feet lower down it measures but 4 feet 2 inches. Its height is calcu- 

 lated to be about a hundred feet. This was the monarch of the Bon- 

 church grove, and probably the largest elm in the Island. Another 

 tree, next in size, has shared the same fate, both having fallen into the 

 little lake, but fortunately the swans escaped. I may remark here that 

 the cygnet, which is now a full-grown two-year old bird, in perfect 

 adult plumage, has the bill of a dusky greenish yellow at the base, 

 and of a bright pinkish colour on the ridge, the latter hue gradually 

 extending to the sides, but there is not a shade of orange as yet. 

 Another large elm, near the old church, having rooks' nests in it, but 

 no eggs that I know of, has been blown down too. Few birds were 

 able to face the tempest, and I observed a magpie carried away by it, 

 its long tail doubled under the body and protruding beyond the 

 beak. 



Chaffinch. — February 13lh. A large flock of these birds was observed, 

 and 1 remarked that the males and females were in about equal 

 numbers. 



IVoodpigeoii. — Has been more than usually abundant, and I am 

 informed by a neighbour, whose grounds are well-wooded, that they 

 frequently alight in his garden to feed on the cabbages, which I find 

 have the top leaves eaten off, as if by rabbits, but a wire netting protects 

 them from the ravages of the latter. 



Redthroated Loon. — Though this species is still on our coast, com- 

 paratively iew are to be met wilh now, and they have been found 

 unapproachable, not one having been shot lately. 



Great Northern Diver. — A large blackheaded diver — which 

 could be no other than a bird of this species — was met with off 

 Shaukliu towards the middle of the month, but there was no getting 



SECO.ND SERIES — VOL. I. 2 A 



