Duck is uncommonly good eating, a friend comparing the flesh to that of the American Canvas-back. Under date, May 26th, 1818, Whitear refers, in his diary, to fifty-six eggs "this spring" being found by one man in the Winterton marshes (Nor. N. S. vol. iii. p. 247). Several lots seen on Breydon, August, 1881. (B. of S.). Sixty-five observed on Breydon, March 5th, 1890. Local, "Shovel-bill," "Spoonbill-duck."
Dafila acuta. Pintail Duck.—R.R. In January, the local "duck month" par excellence, if severe weather obtains, several may be brought to market. Several at Yarmouth, February, 1892.
Querquedula crecca. Teal.—L.L. Nests on the Broads. "Common; Mr. Girdlestone shot the young bird at Hickling, in July" (Paget). Small flocks of migrants on Breydon in the winter, and several in the market generally, although not so frequent as formerly. In 1891 Mr. Lowne received a variety with a thin white line or collar round the neck from Saxmundham. Number on Breydon, March 9th, 1898.
Q. circia. Garganey.—R.R. "Not uncommon, and occasionally breeding" (Pagets, quoting Girdlestone). A spring visitor nesting on the Broads, but, I fear, in decreasing numbers. It seems to be giving way to the Shovelers.
Mareca penelope. Wigeon.—C. Large flocks often visit Breydon during the spring migration; numbers also at the commencement of wintry season. Common also on the Broads during severe weather. On March 12th, 1888, five hundred Wigeon on Breydon; also three Pintails, two Whoopers, and one Scoter. March 16th, 1889, five thousand on Breydon. Local, "Smee."
Fuligula ferina. Pochard.—C. A common visitor in winter, the severer the weather the greater the numbers. I saw a "flapper," with the plumage of its wings quite stumpy, on sale, July 15th, 1880. Local, "Poker" and "Dunbird."
F. rufina. Red-crested Pochard.—A. The first recorded British specimen was shot on Breydon, July, 1818. Two at Yarmouth, 1826; and one or two others since. A female was shot at Hickling in December, 1867, with fifteen Common Pochards (B. of N. vol. iii. p. 200).
F. nyroca. Ferruginous Duck.—R. "Has in a very few
