Page:VCH Staffordshire 1.djvu/187

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BIRDS seldom killed. One killed at Winshill in 1856 (Fauna of Burton, p. 107), and others have since been killed in the neighbourhood of Burton-on-Trent. 128. Barnacle-Goose. Bernicla leucopsis (Bechstein) Occasionally shot near Tutbury ; one associated with some Canada geese at Rolles- ton in December 1859 (Nat. Hist, of Tut- bur y, p- 55)- 129. Brent Goose. Bernicla brenta (Pallas) Included in Garner's list. One. seen in the flesh in March 1893 said to have been shot in Staffordshire (Birds of Staffordshire, p. 104). One shot at Rocester about 25 January 1903 (Report North Staffs Field Club, 1903). [Canada Goose. Bernicla canadensis (Linn.) An introduced species, flocks of which often pass up and down the Dove valley.] [Egyptian Goose. Chenalopex regyptiaca, Linn. Has several times been shot on the Trent ; probably escaped birds.] 130. WhooperSwan. Cygnus musicus, Bech- stein. Locally, Whistling Swan (Mosley), Elk or Wild Swan (Brown). Has frequently been observed in the Trent valley in small flocks. One was shot at Swythamley in 1875 (Birds of Staffordshire, p. 1 06). [Bewick's Swan. Cygnus bewicki, Yarrell. The bird of this species mentioned in the Birds of Staffordshire, p. 1 06, was killed in Derbyshire.] 131. Mute Swan. Cygnus olor (J. F. Gme- lin) In a semi-domesticated condition on oui larger rivers and on lakes. 132. Common Sheld-Duck. Tadorna cornuta (S. G. Gmelin) This beautiful duck has been shot several times in the county. The birds recorded by Mr. E. A. Brown as breeding near Burton- on-Trent were probably captives (Birds of Staffordshire, p. 106). 133. Mallard or Wild Duck. Anas boscas, Linn. Resident and fairly plentiful where pre- served on large meres. It is also numerous in the Dove valley between Rocester and Dove- dale. Our resident birds are frequently joined by flocks of migrants in winter. 134. Gadwall. Anas strepera, Linn. A very rare visitor. One obtained on the Tame at Comberford near Lichfield 22 December 1873 (Birds of Staffordshire, p. 108). 135. Shoveler. Spatula clypeata (Linn.) A rare winter visitor. Mr. E. Brown (Fauna of Burton, p. 1 08) says that many have been killed on the Trent but it is now rarely seen there. A drake was shot at Rolleston on 3 April 1866, and two others at Woore in September 1896. Mr. Harting states that the nest has been found in the county (Handbook of Brit. Birds, ed. I, p. 62). 136. Pintail. Dafila acuta (Linn.) A winter visitor of which several occur- rences have been recorded. Not uncommon in the Tutbury and Burton districts (Nat. Hist, of Tutbury, pp. 56, 108). A young drake shot at Barlaston in November 1885, four at Leigh in 1895, one at Bloxwich in February 1898, and a drake at Hilderstone Hall on 4 February 1901 (Report North Staffs Field Club, 1901). 137. Teal. Nettion crecca (Linn.) Breeds very sparingly in Staffordshire (Birds of Staffordshire, p. 108). In winter and spring small flocks visit the middle and south of the county. Frequents the scattered pits at Lea Head singly or in pairs most winters (Report North Staffs Field Club, 1894, p. 58. [Summer Duck. Aix sponsa (Linn.) One killed on the Trent near Drake- low a few years previous to 1863 (E. Brown, Fauna of Burton, p. 228). Probably an escaped bird.] 138. Garganey. Querquedula circia (Linn.) Sir O. Mosley and Mr. E. Brown both state that this duck has occasionally but very rarely been killed on the Trent (Nat. Hist, of Tutbury, pp. 56, 1 08). No recent occur- rences. 139. Wigeon. Mareca penelope (Linn.) A winter visitor frequently occurring in large flocks during severe weather on Aqua- late, Trentham, Rudyard and other large lakes as well as on the Trent. 140. Pochard. Fuligula ferina (Linn.) A winter visitant, not uncommon on the Trent in hard winters such as 1890-1. 141. Tufted Duck. Fuligula cristata (Leach) By means of careful preservation this duck 153 20