174 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
complained loudly of the shooting season of 1877-78; and their 
annoyance was much aggravated by the early closing of the 
season, on the 15th February, by the ‘ Wild Fowl] Preservation 
Act.’ 
Although a few Wigeon appeared on the 9th October they only 
remained for a day or two, and I did not see any others until 
the 29th of that month. The main flight did not arrive until 
November, when they appeared in their usual numbers, and 
I perceived no scarcity of birds throughout the winter. Last 
season I noticed Wigeon remaining about the estuary and river 
up to the 20th April; but this spring they appear to have 
taken their departure a fortnight earlier, none being observed 
since April 6th. 
Wild Ducks visited the bay and estuary in much smaller 
numbers this winter than usual, and many large flocks seen at 
early morning moving from their inland feeding-grounds, to pass 
the day on the quiet waters of the bay, were not observed on flight 
this season. 
Pintails were also very scarce, only two or three having been 
observed throughout the winter, although parties of eight or ten 
are usually seen associating with the wigeon. Neither Long-tailed 
Ducks nor Pochards were observed in the bay or estuary this 
season, though on the 23rd April, 1875, I saw a pair of the first- 
named ducks near Killala, and shot the female. 
The Scaup, so common in some parts of Ireland, is a rare 
visitor to the Moy Estuary. 1 shot a young male on the .23rd 
October ; it showed no indications of assuming the adult plumage, 
save an odd green feather showing here and there on the head. 
This bird was the smallest specimen of the Scaup I ever shot, 
being only seventeen inches in length. I came across a duck of 
this species a few days after, and on the 3rd November a little 
party of three fine old males. 
Sheldrakes, ] am happy to say, are increasing in numbers, 
owing to the protection afforded them in their breeding haunts 
by Captain Kirkwood, of Bartragh. Ten fine birds haunted the 
sands throughout the winter, and there is now every probability 
that several pairs will nest this summer in the sandy rabbit-burrows 
of that island. 
Great Northern Divers appeared as usual, and none of their 
favourite stations were unoccupied this winter. Red-throated 
