THE WIGEON. 
Ill 
having never seen it before in this or any other species of birch 
It was the Enteromorjoha clatlirata , which profusely covers parts 
of the shallow mud-banks of Belfast Bay. Wigeon shot in the 
fresh -water of Lough Neagh, in March, have contained the tops 
of Equiseta and various subaquatic plants. 
Sir William Jardine remarks, on Mr. Waterton*s considering 
the wigeon a more familiar bird than either the pochard or teal/* 
that, “ in our own shooting practice, we have always found it much 
more difficult to approach than the latter/* In bogs and marshes 
where the teal is feeding, as it does when undisturbed during 
the day, I have found it the most easy of access of all its tribe. 
But on small lakes or sheets of water — as Ballydrain lake- — 
frequented by various species of ducks throughout the day, and 
where they reposed in perfect safety, I have remarked that the 
flocks of teal were the first to spring into the air at my approach ; 
the mallards next ; after them the wigeon ; and, lastly, the diving 
species (pochards, tufted ducks, and golden-eyes). It is a beau- 
tiful sight to behold them all wheeling through the air before they 
alight at a more distant part of the water : flocks of the elegant 
little teal being, perhaps, the most interesting from their sudden 
turning and rapid flight, one moment rising high into the air, and 
as quickly wheeling down again towards the water as if to alight, 
but having no such intention when thus at their utmost speed ; 
their cry, too, all the time ringing acutely on the ear.* 
The wigeon is plentiful in the numerous suitable localities 
around the coast, and on the lakes and rivers of Ireland, 
Although not so restricted to particular haunts as the brent 
goose, it prevails wherever that bird is found, the Zostera being 
the attraction to both species. Captain May (late of the Innis- 
killing Dragoons) has mentioned to me that twelve and a half brace 
of wigeon, ducks, and teal were shot by himself and his sporting 
friends on a pool near the Salten river (Norway) on the 13th of 
July, 1849. 
* This may seem contradictory to what is stated under that species at the same 
locality, hut different days are alluded to, and the observations of each correctly 
noted down. 
