92^ the ornithologist's guide 



I obtained ; it was early in the springs during very 

 stormy weather, and I presume they had merely 

 halted there in the course of their migrations : 

 these were the only examples I saw during my 

 stay. 



Cygnus FERvs } Bay. Wild Swan. — Largeflocks 

 of this bird annually visit Shetland and Orkney in 

 the spring and autumn. They generally select 

 the largest and most unfrequented lakes. During 

 the day they keep in the centre of the lake, but 

 approach the shore towards night for the purpose 

 of feeding, at which time they are frequently shot 

 by the fowler, who secretes himself by the side of 

 the water waiting their arrival. Five have been 

 killed at one discharge in this manner. 



Tadorna Vulpanser, Flem. Shieldrake. — Al- 

 though this elegant species is common in Orkney, 

 it rarely visits Shetland. It is seldom met with 

 in places remote from the sea. Its principal food 

 is seaweed, small shell-fish, and marine insects ; 

 in Orkney, where it receives the appellation of 

 Sly Goose, it breeds regularly, selecting such 

 places as are near to the water's edge, to which 

 theparent birds conduct their young as soonasthey 

 are hatched or are able to waddle along, after which 



