SCOTER.
(EDEMIA NIOMJ.
AT all seasons tbe Scaler is to lie found on tlio seas surrounding (lie British Islands, most numerous in
autumn, winter, and early spring, though a few stragglers remain in small parties all through the summer.
The earlier writers on ornithology failed in most instances to note the breeding or this species in Great
Britain; many, however, nest on the Hat moors round the loans in the more open portions of the country
in Sutherland and Caithness. I have also received word from keepers that a few pairs resorted to some
small lochs in the north-west of Ross-shire all through June and July ; doubtless these were rearing their
young in this district, though the fact escaped observation.
The Scoter, according to my own experience, is a late breeder; it is not till the first or, more often,
the second week in May that the birds appear at their haunts on the inland lochs, though Hying visits
may have been paid to the locality earlier in the season. By the end of May I have observed as many
as five or six pairs resorting almost constantly to the piece of water they had selected, having evidently
taken up their sum too r-quarters. In early morning the drakes may bo seen paying their respects to
their mates, and in a sportive and most amusing maimer Happing round and round the object of their
admiration.; after this performance is ended they wash, dash, and -plash in the water, sending t he spray Hying
in all directions. As soon as the females have commenced to sit closely, which usually happens about the
second or third week in June, the males are less frequently seen making repented flights to larger lochs
or the open sea. The nests arc placed in heather of moderate growth on the open moors, seldom within
the distance of a quarter of a mile of the lochs ; I met with a few, however, on the small peaty islets among
the black pools on tbe Hoes, Unless tbe old bird is driven ofl or watched to her quartets the exact
position of the nest is by no means easily ascertained. The eggs are a dull dirty yellow, the lining of
their cradle being composed of a plentiful supply of black down from the breast of the female; the young
on leaving the shell are covered with a dusky down, the legs and beaks exhibiting a smoky tint.
During spring I have often watched immense flocks in the channel off Rye Ray and Eairlight going
through much tbe same performances indulged in on the Highland lochs; the only difference was thai
the amusements seemed more general, numbers chasing one another while Happing over the surface, diving
and ducking incessantly, the excitement bring carried on with but slight intermission for an hour at a
time, the surface of the water for a quarter of a mile or more appearing at times as if caught by a
sudden squall, the black plumage of the birds as they sprang above the foam contrasting strongly with
the spray (Lashed up, and forming a most singular sight. Though almost invariably watchful, Scoters
now and then while so engaged permit a near approach; on ono or two occasions I have worked the boat
within fifteen or twenty yards of the nearest of these wideawake fowl. At dusk in spring there is also
a general meeting in various parts of the Channel; at this hour they are generally far more noisy, their
whistling cry being beard ou aU sides of a lino still evening as tbe darkness closes in. In such numbers