1 92 1.] Winter Avifauna of tlie Camar[iue. 605 



30 Dec, about tive miles north of Les Saintes Maries. 

 Considered as a rare winter straggler by the old French 

 writers, it must now be a very rare bird in France. 



Phcenicopterus antiquorum Tcnnn. 



While I saw no Flamiooes personal!}-, there cjin be no 

 doubt that it still exists in considerable numbers in the 

 Ganiargue, as all the natives know the bird well, A flock 

 was seen three days before my arriyal flying e.ist near the 

 village of Les iSaintes Maries, the number estimated 

 variously \\i 500-700. The natives claim that in winter this 

 bird occasionally disappears if the water is very low (.-is was 

 the case daring my visit), or when a norther is blowing. 

 They have no theory as to where it goes. They appear to be 

 perfectly familiar with the plumage of the young bird, and 

 claimed that about one-qu;irter of the indiyiduals in the flock 

 mentioned above were young. 



Anser sp. 



A few Geese were heard at night, and one small flock seen 

 at dawn, when colour details could not be distinguished. 

 Probably the Grey Lag-Goose, other species, according to 

 Crespon, occurring only in severe cold weather. 



Tadorna tadorna (L.). 



Two Sheld-Ducks observed on the Etang de Valcares, 



31 Dee. 



Anas platyrhyncha L. 



The Mallard was almost incredibly abundant, by day 

 flocking on the open waters of the larger Etangs, and flying 

 into the fresher marshes and reed-bordered ponds by night 

 to feed. 



Anas strepera L. 



Only two Gadwall were positively identified. It is 

 undoubtedly common. 



Anas crecca L. 



The Teal was fairly common. 



SEE. XI. VOL. III. 2 S 



