63 
BIRD NOTES 
FROM THE MID-TRENT VALLEY FOR 1894. 
F. B. WHITLOCK, 
' Beeston, Notts. 
THE weather of the past year, as far as its influence on local bird-life 
is concerned, calls for but little remark. After a mild close to 1893, 
a sharp spell of frost set in with the new year, and though it was 
severe enough whilst it lasted (all still waters being frozen, and the 
streams partially so), a thaw soon occurred, and by the 14th January 
the weather was as open and mild as before. February and March 
were of the normal type, but the frequent prevalence of west winds 
is perhaps worthy of remark. The spring months were sunny and 
dry, if we except June, which was showery and rather cold, like the 
ensuing summer, which was itself more or less wet up to the com- 
mencement of September; the remaining portion of the year being 
more remarkable for gales and rain than for any severe cold. 
Ducks (Azatide). The frost had its usual effect on the members 
of the duck tribe, driving them from their accustomed haunts to 
the open waters of the Trent. I had one interesting morning 
amongst them. Choosing a part of the river where the banks 
allowed of a successful stalk, I peeped over, abreast of a long 
island covered with willows and dead herbage. On the margins 
of the water, which was frozen on either side to a width of 
about ten feet, a row of Mallards (Aas doschas) were squatting, 
intermingled at intervals with a few disconsolate-looking Teal 
(Anas crecca). Nearer the middle of the river were four or five 
adult Scaups (Fudigula marila) and several Tufted Ducks 
(Fuligula cristata), whilst immediately below me were four 
immature Golden-eyes (Clangula glaucion), which were con- 
stantly diving in search of food. Wigeons (Anas penelope) were 
also represented by several wary individuals ; and a small white- 
looking duck, which looked like an adult male Smew (J/ergus 
albellus) came flying down the stream. Some distance away 
I recognised a female Scaup uttering its loud and harsh cry. 
A little later in the same week a fine Goosander (MJergus 
merganser) was shot at, but escaped; and on the 13th 
examined two Pochards (Fudigula fertna), one Scaup, and 
three Smews. ‘Two of the latter were adult females, though 
I should say one was older than the others. Neither showed 
the black markings on the lores very plainly. These examples 
had been killed at Shelford, a village on the Trent some seven 
Feb. 1895. 
