This is a smew
From the Sussex Advertiser of 1861. Read the first sentence and see if you can guess what fate “generally befalls such adventurers”:
Rare Birds
The present very severe weather has brought some unusual visitors of the feathered tribe to our shores, and they have met the fate which generally befalls such adventurers. Mr Gasson of Tower Street has now in his possession having been shot in the neighbourhood first a very fine bittern the size of a heron a native of warmer climates; second a white fronted goose a native of Lapland Iceland etc; third a beautiful specimen of tufted duck also native to the north; fourth a smew, a native of Greenland; fifth an eider duck which is very rare bird in this country and we believe has not been shot in this neighbourhood before. Mr Gasson will be happy to show the birds to such as are curious in these matters.
If you’re a fan of Audubon, you’ll know he was a crack shot who painted from dead birds. In fact, it was the general practice of early naturalists: see an animal, shoot an animal.
p.s. it’s official: Lavendergirl takes it with Bobby Sherman. Meet here tomorrow, 6 WBT, for Dead Pool Round 185. Me, I’ll be at a party.
June 26, 2025 — 4:23 pm
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