THE WIGEON. Ill 



having never seen it before in this or any other species of bird. 

 It was the Eriteromorpha claihrata, which profusely covers parts 

 of the shallow mud-banks of Belfast Bay. Wigeon shot in the 

 fresh-water of Lough Neagh^ in March^ have contained the tops 

 of Equiseta and various subaquatic plants. 



Sir WUliam Jardine remarks, on Mr. Waterton's considering 

 the wigeon " a more familiar bird than either the pochard or teal/' 

 that, " in our own shooting practice, we have always found it much 

 more difficult to approach than the latter." In bogs and marshes 

 where the teal is feeding, as it does when undisturbed during 

 the day, I have found it the most easy of access of all its tribe. 

 But on small lakes or sheets of water — as Ballydrain lake — 

 frequented by various species of ducks tliroughout the day, and 

 where they reposed in perfect safety, I have remarked that the 

 flocks of teal were the first to spring into the air at my approach ; 

 the mallards next; after them the wigeon; and, lastly, the diving 

 species (pochards, tufted ducks, and golden-eyes). It is a beau- 

 tiful sight to behold them all wheeling through the air before they 

 alight at a more distant part of the water : flocks of the elegant 

 little teal being, perhaps, the most interesting from their sudden 

 turning and rapid flight, one moment rising liigh into the air, and 

 as quickly wheeling down again towards the water as if to alight, 

 but having no such intention when thus at their utmost speed ; 

 their cry, too, all the time ringing acutely on the ear.'^ 



The wigeon is plentiful in the numerous suitable localities 

 around the coast, and on the lakes and rivers of Ireland. 

 Although not so restricted to particular haunts as the brent 

 goose, it prevails wherever that bird is found, the Zostera being 

 the attraction to both species. Captain May (late of the Innis- 

 killing Dragoons) has mentioned to me that twelve and a half brace 

 of wigeon, ducks, and teal were shot by himself and his sporting 

 friends on a pool near the Salten river (Norway) on the 13tli of 

 July, 1849. 



* This may seem contradictory to what is stated under that species at the same 

 locality, but diflerent days are alluded to, and the observations of each correctly 

 noted down. 



