British Birdt 
233 
hiding among the reeds and 'lerbage growing on its margin ; building 
its nest on the roots of low branches of submerged trees. Tliere are 
several of this species of Water-fowl on the siDall lake in these grounds, 
Carrowdorr Castle, Donaghadee, Co. Down, and it is always a pleasure 
and interest to watch tlieir sharp, quick movements as they suddenly ap- 
pear from their hiding places, and prepare to sail across the smooth 
water, will) the two white tail feathers twisted and very conspicuous, 
intended it is saiti, to act as signals to tlieir young ones and guide and 
direct their movements. Tlie reflection of tlie swimmer in the clear 
water beneath, marking the contrast between the dark plumage and the 
two white feathers above and l)elcnv the surface has a curious effect 
being very clearly defined as seen on a calm summer's evening, when 
the sha(h)vvs begin to fall across the water. The young ones, some 
half grown, some only a few days old, and covered with soft down, 
seem quite satisfied to be left alone for a time, picking up insects and 
running about on the nmd among the rushes, till the mother bird 
comes in sight again, when they swim out a very short distance to meet 
and return with her to land. These " Little Fowl" are easily tamed 
and run readily to receive tlie crumbs of bread thnnvii to them from 
a boat witliout showing aii.\ fear from it and its occupants' proximity to 
their play ground. Sea-gulls are often seen swiimring on the 
lake, and Herons constantly flap lazily down to its edge, and 
sit for hours fishing, thougli eels are the only fish that have been 
found in its waters- a Swan and Goose are the only residents besides 
the " Little Fowl." Though mates have been provided for them at 
different times they have always disappeared, as well as the several kinds 
of ducks, which have been placed there during the last six years. The 
Swan has been most useful in keeping the water free from a weed, 
which at one time threatened to overrun it. Traces of otters have been 
observed, and a dead one was picked up close to the lake, three or 
four years ago and now figures as a handsome specimen in a glass 
case. With the return of human inhabitants they are no longer to be 
seen. Hawks (Kestrels) happily survive, but the pair that used to 
bring up their young on one of the ivieil turrets of the dwelling house, 
have now betaken themselves to some fir-trees at the farthest end of 
the lake, where they nest every spring. Formerly they came close to 
the house, one perched on the back of a garden seat where it stayed 
some time dressing itself in the sunshine and then flew slowly on t^ 
the grass apparently looking for insects ; unfortunately a window 
was suddenly opened and frightened it away, never to re-appear in 
this delightfully confiding and familiar manner. 
