258 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



Wild Geese. — A flock of Geese flew over Camp Manoel on 

 November 19th, in a south-easterly direction, about 4.30 p.m. 



Ruddy Shelduck. — A male example of the Ruddy Shelduck 

 was shot in Sliema harbour, December 10th, 1897. I consider 

 the occurrence of this species most unusual, and can only 

 account for its appearance as a straggler. I am very sorry I did 

 not secure the specimen. 



Whitethroat. — These little birds are plentiful during the 

 spring months. I have frequently found their nests around 

 Manoel. 



Lapwing. — On December 13th, 1897, I saw six Lapwings 

 which had been shot in a field close to the Quarantine harbour. 

 I am told they are of uncommon occurrence on the island. 



Common Sandpiper. — Have seen several flocks in various 

 localities in the months of April and May, but at no other time 

 during the year. 



Redshank. — Handled a fine specimen in full breeding 

 plumage, April 16th, 1897. It was shot on the shore near 

 Manoel ; another bird was fired at, but got away. This is the 

 first specimen I have seen in Malta. 



Great Snipe. — A gunner along the shore at Manoel showed 

 me four specimens of the Great Snipe which he had shot. These 

 are the first I have seen. 



Squacco Heron. — During the four days (April 29th to May 

 2nd) four specimens of the Squacco Heron frequented the shore at 

 Manoel. They appear to be very lazy and inactive, allowing one 

 to approach within twenty or thirty yards before taking wing. 

 On the morning of May 1st I watched them for over half an hour, 

 and during that time they remained almost motionless, except 

 for an occasional turn of the head ; the head and neck were 

 drawn back upon the shoulders. I subsequently handled two of 

 these birds in the flesh, which were shot by a native. 



Short-toed Lark. — This is a resident species in Malta, and 

 is fairly common. I found a nest with young as late as July 

 11th, 1897. 



