Welsh Journals

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Birds Seen in Gower. VIII Ducks, Geese, Mergansers and Swans by A. FREDERICK JAMES MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos). Common resident which breeds regularly at Oxwich and other suitable localities. There appears to be a certain amount of local migration. Wildfowlers tell me that the numbers increase in August, but fall away again in September. It is known in parts of Gower as the Home Duck." TEAL (Anas crecca). Common winter visitor and occasional resident. This is our smallest native duck. It has a very rapid flight and the drake can be recognised at quite a distance by the white line above the wing and the creamy-yellow patch near the tail. WIGEON (Anas penelope). Just as the arrival of the Salmon and Sewin excites the Angler so does the arrival of the Wigeon stir the Wildfowler. Flocks begin to arrive in the Burry Estuary about the end of September. According to the late Mr. Woodward, who was headkeeper at Penrice, the Wigeon did not arrive in Oxwich until November. PINTAIL (Anas acuta). Regular winter visitor, and large flocks of several hundreds 'can often be seen in the estuary off Penclawdd. It is a large duck 'with a pointed tail. The neck is long and slender with a white streak up each side. SHOVELER (Spatula clypeata). This handsome species is distinguished from all others by its large spatulate bill. Resident in small numbers and breeds occasion- ally at Oxwich. There appears to be a small influx of winter visitors. SCAUP (Aythya marila). Occasional winter visitor and passage migrant. TUFTED DUCK (Aythya fuligula). Formerly this diving duck was regularly seen in winter on the ornamental ponds in Swansea and also on Oxwich marshes and Crumlyn but it has now become scarce. POCHARD (Aythya ferina). Another diving duck which has become rather scarce. In former years I used to see it frequently in winter on Oxwich Ponds, Brynmill Pond and Crumlyn. GOLDENEYE (Bucephala clangula). Occasional winter visitor and passage migrant-Oxwich Ponds .and Broadpool.