THE BIRDS OF FAIR ISLE 159 



known occurrences for the autumn are for the i6th 

 October 1909, when an injured bird was captured in 

 the North Haven, and 17th and 21st November 191 1. 



Cygnus bewicki, Bewick's Swan. — Swans appear 

 on passage regularly in spring (April) and in autumn 

 (October and November), but as yet only two have been 

 obtained, both of this species. One was shot on i8th 

 November 19 10, and the other on 30th November 

 1911. 



Tadorna tadorna, Sheld-Dtick. — An occasional 

 visitor. Single birds have been seen late in May, once 

 in August, several times during October, and once in 

 November. It is common in Orkney, and breeds in 

 southern Shetland. 



Anas boscas, Mallard. — This bird is chiefly seen 

 during the periods of its passages in spring and autumn, 

 but visits in winter are not unusual. 



The spring migrants appear at the end of the first 

 week of April, and are in evidence as late as mid- May. 

 Once or twice single birds have been seen in June and 

 occasionally in July and August. 



September and down to end of November is the 

 main period for the autumn passage of Mallards towards 

 more southern winter quarters. 



Dafila acuta, Pintail. — This species was not detected 

 until 191 1, when, on 22nd April, a male and female 

 appeared, followed by another bird on 19th May. In 

 the same year, single birds arrived on 4th and 5th 

 October, and two on the nth of that month. 



Mareca PENELOPE, Wigeon. — This species is fairly 

 numerous and regular in its appearances on migration 

 during spring and autumn, and a few are seen as 

 visitors during the winter. 



