BIRDS 146. White-fronted Goose. Anser albifrons (Scopoli). Another winter visitor, constantly shot at Frensham and other ponds in the early years of the century. No published record since 1851 (Bucknill, p. 218). 147. Bean-Goose. Anser segetum (Gmelin). A casual winter visitor of very rare occur- rence and never of regular appearance as were the two preceding species. Recorded once or twice only (Bucknill, p. 219). 148. Pink-footed Goose. Anser brae hyrhynchus, Baillon. Curiously enough there is no specific re- cord of this bird from Surrey, though there is no doubt that it has occurred with other wild geese on some of the western lakes in former years (Bucknill, p. 220). 149. Barnacle-Goose. Bernicla leucopsii (Bech- stein). Another maritime species, but shot at least once in Surrey (Bucknill, p. 221). 1 50. Brent Goose. Bernicla brenta (Pallas). A maritime species seldom found inland and only shot in Surrey two or three times (Buck- nill, p. 220). 151. Whooper Swan. Cygnus musicus, Bech- stein. Like the wild geese the whooper was once a regular winter visitor to the secluded waters of the county where it has been often recorded, but not, as far as can be gathered, during re- cent years (Bucknill, pp. 224, 225). 152. Bewick's Swan. Cygnus bewicki, Yarrell. A rare winter visitor in former years. Only recorded once or twice (Bucknill, p. 226). 153. Mute Swan. Cygnus olor (Gmelin). A common resident in a semi-domesticated state on the larger rivers and lakes of Surrey. It is doubtful if a properly authenticated truly feral example has been recorded from the county. The so-called Polish swan, a variety in which the cygnets are white, has been also observed and kept in Surrey on several occa- sions (Bucknill, p. 223). 1 54. Common Sheld-Duck. Tadorna cornuta (S. G. Gmelin). A winter visitor of irregular appearance which has only been occasionally noticed. It is a common ornamental waterfowl, and sup- posed feral examples are often truant captives (Bucknill, p. 226). 155. Ruddy Sheld-Duck. Tadorna casarca (Linn.). A favourite captive, and although several have been shot in an apparently wild state in Surrey, none have perhaps been truly wild specimens (Bucknill, p. 227). 156. Mallard or Wild Duck. Anas boscas, Linn. A partial resident and a common winter visitor. Nests pretty freely along the more secluded waterways and in the sedge and rushes of marshy grounds. Surrey formerly boasted three decoys, two of which, Pyrford and Otter- shaw, have long since ceased to exist, whilst the third at Virginia Water is now of little use. In severe weather the larger lakes usu- ally hold a considerable number of this species and the teal. 157. Gadwall. Anas strepera, Linn. A very rare visitor, twice or thrice obtained in the county (Bucknill, pp. 231, 232). 158. Shoveler. Spatula clypeata (Linn.). Another rare visitor, having only occurred in winter three or four times (Bucknill, p. 232). 159. Pintail. Dafila acuta (Linn.). A winter visitor, of rather rare appearance. It used to occur more often than it does at the present day, but a few have been shot on the lakes even in recent years (Bucknill, p. 233)- 1 60. Teal. Nettion crecca (Linn.). Although some few pairs have always nested annually in Surrey this species must be re- garded as almost entirely a winter visitor. As such it is still fairly plentiful on the upper reaches of the Wey and on the big western meres, particularly in severe seasons. 161. Garganey. Querquedula circia (Linn.). A rare summer visitor to Surrey, and very seldom noticed (Bucknill, p. 235). 162. Wigeon. Mareca penelope (Linn.). A winter visitor, abundant doubtless in for- mer years, but at the present day of very ir- regular appearance in most parts of the county. In hard weather and in early spring, Frensham and other big ponds sometimes hold large numbers, and on these it may be regarded as of regular occurrence. Elsewhere it is not at all common. 163. Pochard. Fuligula ferina (Linn.). Formerly rather a common winter visitor, but now, though occasionally seen on some of the larger lakes, of by no means frequent oc- currence. 213
