roc II AIM). 
3 
parties composed entirely of drakes in the brightest stages of plumage. For a week or ten days after the 
19th of ^^larch, 1873 (the weather at the time being cold with strong north-easterly breezes), I noticed 
that the birds, though previously wild, were now exceedingly confiding, allowing the punt to approach u ithin 
the distance of fifty or sixty yards without exhibiting the slightest signs of alarm. In order to ascertain 
whether they had acquired the rank flavour usually looked for in Avildfowl Avhen the shooting-season 
is over, I took advantage of an unsuspecting half-dozen floating quietly with their beaks buried in the plumage 
of the back, and securing the whole, discovered that for the table they had by no means deterioiated, though 
JMallard and IVigeon Avere at this date decidedly unpalatable. The Pochard, according to my opinion, 
is the only diving duck that can possibly lay claim to be considered a delicacy ; and CA’en at its best, after 
feeding regularly on the inland broads or lakes, this species is not to be compared Ai'ith any of the sniall- 
footed AvildfoAvl, such as Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveller, or Teal. 
"While afloat on the saltAA'ater firths of the north, or the muddy harbours and estuaries of the southern 
and eastern coasts. Pochards are forced to subsist on minute shell-fish and insects of various kinds, as aacII 
as a certain amount of marine A'egetation. Their favourite diet, however, consists of portions of frcsliAAater 
Aveeds or plants that groAV so profusely in the shalloAV lakes and pools to Avhich this species Avould doubtless 
resort more frequently if unmolested. Formerly^ Avhen decoys AA^ere more common in the eastern counties, 
and even since the pipes liaA^e ceased Avorking, immense flocks of Pochards rested during the day on the 
protected Avater, making their AAvay as soon as darkness set in for the large broads, in order to make a meal 
off their favourite weed. The old gunners in several districts speak Avith unfeigned regret of the immense 
flocks that came “roaring” over certain spots in the marshes regularly at dusk, affording in squally Aveather, 
Avhen the line of flight Avas Ioav, excellent chances for picking up a fcAV couple of birds. Of late years, since 
most of the decoys have been done aAvay Avith, the numbers of Pochards have greatly decreased in the 
district. 
ThouMi I failed to detect the nest, and never met Avith a chance of examining the young in down, it 
is Avell knoAvn that Pochards breed in more than one locality in Great Britain. A fcAV stragglers continue 
in the Highlands during April, but after that date the species is seldom observed. On tAVO or three occasions, 
hoAveA’er, betAveen the 11th and 20th of June, 1869, Avhen visiting Loch Slyn, I noticed a couple of drakes 
on the Avater : these birds appeared unusually regardless of danger ; and anxious to ascertain Avhether they 
remained of their OAvn free aa ill, or their presence at this season Avas the result of Avounds, I pressed them 
closelv in the punt, Avhen rising at once on Aving they made the circuit of tlie loch, and after a short flight 
returned to the Avater. Judging by their actions, I am of opinion that the females Avere sitting on some of the 
marshy spots near at hand. 
lly notes for the summer of 1873 contain a reference to a flock observed in Norfolk in July; a short 
extract may not be out of place, as the state of the AAcather is given, as Avell as a list of other strangers 
putting in an appearance at the same time : — 
“ Julv 26. Not a breath of air beloAV, though the clouds Avere moving from the south-Avest. Soon 
after davbrcak there Avas every appearance of a tempest, the sky to the north and Avest being as black as night. 
1 had often previously remarked during stormy Aveather at this season that flocks of Avaders, as aa’cII as 
sea-birds and foAAd, Avere noticed in the district. There Avere this morning on the various hills round the 
broad numerous small parties of CnrlcAV, IVhimbrel, Greenshank, Golden Plover, Dunlin, and Bing-Dotterel. 
An immature Green Sandpiper Avas shot, and also a couple of Black Terns, the latter exhibiting the change 
into their Avinter dress, a state of plumage in AAdiich this species is seldom met Avith. A bunch of about a 
dozen Pochards continued flying over the Avater for some time ; they seemed inclined to settle, but Avere 
at length disturbed by a shot. Before mid-day the Aveather cleared off, and the Avholc of the strangers had 
taken their departure, the hills being deserted save by the resident parties of Bedlegs, PecAvits, and Snipes. 
