438 Major W. "R. Thompson on the [Ibis, 



piitrance. I have not before had the opportunity of studying 

 this bird at close quarters, and cannot say if this is its usual 

 method, but have always thought that it fell vertically on to 

 its prey. 



The only time I have seen this bird here in any numbers 

 was on the 19th of May, 1920, when a flock consisting of 

 nine adults and two immature birds were observed fishing 

 close to the shore. At this time, it was reported by the 

 fishermen that large quantities of small pollack were off the 

 coast, and a herd of at least fifty porpoises (J)elphimis 

 phoca'iia) of all ages was constantly patrolling round the 

 island, so there were certain abnormal conditions to account 

 for this, and the same conditions obtained still a week later, 

 when large numbers of gannets were reported between 

 Alderney and Guernsey. 



Anser anser. Th<- Grey-lag Goose. 



L. tells me that this bird is an occasional winter visitor, 

 coming to the island during hard wcuthei-, and usually in 

 small trips of six oi* seven individuals, A number have been 

 shot at various timers. I have not myself observed it, but the 

 winters 1 have passed on the island have been comparatively 

 mild. 



Anser brachyrhynchus. The Pink-footed Goose. 



I killed one of these birds durino- a strono- north-east gale 

 on the 19th of December, 1913. It was by itself and rose 

 from the rough grass bordering Longy Bay. 



Branta bernicla. The Brent Goose. 



Small trips of these liirds are often seen off the rocks 

 during th<^ winter months. A winter visitor, but varying 

 much in numbers according to the se\erity of the weather. 



Anas boschas. The Wild Duck. 



A winter visitor in small nund)ers and during severe 

 weatluM- only. They do not remain long, as they are almost 

 immediately shot at. I have observed it occasionally in the 

 autumn as a bird of passage. 



