CATALOG VE OF BIRDS. 77 



GREYLAG GOOSE. 



Case 76. 



The Greylag Goose is the only representative of its 

 family that remains with us as a resident throughout 

 the year. Great numbers of these birds rear their 

 young in the more remote parts of Ross-shire, Suther- 

 land, and Caithness, and also on some of the surround- 

 ing islands. 



Though proverbially one of the wildest of fowl 

 during the winter, those that nest on our shores lay 

 aside their shyness while their young are unable to 

 provide for themselves. 



While crossing the moors in the summer, I have 

 now and then seen an old gander leave the cover 

 which grew near some small loch, and with out- 

 stretched neck attack any dogs I happened to have 

 with me ; the female at the same time being either 

 heard or seen endeavouring to get the young into 

 some place of safety. 



When on the wing, even at a distance, this Goose 

 may readily be distinguished by the conspicuous grey 

 feathers from which it takes its name. 



In 1862 and 1863, when living in East Lothian, we 

 were visited every winter by large flocks of Geese, 

 which were, on some farms, so destructive to the 

 young corn, that herds were obliged to be employed to 

 keep them from the crops. 



They take little notice of the labourers while at 

 work ; but, though appearing to be all intent on 

 searching for food, the slightest sign of danger is 

 almost certain to attract the attention of the sentinel 

 on duty. 



