228 GAME BIBDS OF CALIFOHNIA 



the ground at tlie base of a willow growing on a small island in the 

 marsh. 



In the north the Canada Goose does not always build its nest on 

 the ground. Several instances have been recorded where it has 

 utilized stumps of trees and even deserted nests of birds of prey 

 (Macoun and Macoun, 1909, p. 126). 



In California during the mid-winter months these geese inhabit 

 the interior valleys rather than the neigliborhood of the seashore. 

 Their favorite resorts are the large open grain fields near some big 

 river or other large body of water. Here they feed evening and morn- 

 ing, spending the middle of the day and the night on the water itself. 

 At Los Banos, Merced County, they leave the marshes for the even- 

 ing flight to the grain fields about two, three or four o'clock in the 

 afternoon, and return about dark (Beck, MS). 



The flight of this species is firm, rapid, and protracted, the bird moving 

 with great steadiness and regularity. Before rising it usually runs a few feet 

 with outspread wings, but when surprised can rise with a sudden spring. In 

 its migrations it is liable to be thrown into confusion by passing into a fog- 

 bank, or over a city or place where there is much shipping. . . . Both keen- 

 ness of sight and quickness of hearing are remarkable in this bird, and it is 

 always vigilant and suspicious; so that it is with great difficulty taken by 

 surprise (Baird, Brewer and Eidgway, 1884, I, p. 463). 



"Few wild bird notes are more inspiring than the honl\ honk, 

 ha ivank, honk, of a long line of Canada Geese flying with apparent 

 deliberation but with really terrific speed overhead, calling as they 

 go in notes that carry for a mile over marsh, lake, and prairie. The 

 big strong wings whish loudly overhead far out of shotgun range, 

 and often a low conversational gabble can be heard under the loud 

 honking" (Y. Bailey, in Bailey, 1902, pp. 67-68). It is believed to be 

 always an old gander that forms the apex of the V-shaped flocks. 

 Before alighting a flock circles several times to investigate. "While 

 feeding there appear to be several individuals who keep watch, thus 

 making close approach in an open field almost impossible. In fact 

 this goose has earned a well-deserved reputation for wariness. 



Much of the food of the Canada Goose is made up of grain gleaned 

 from stubble fields or sprouting grain fields. Grass, especially the 

 roots, also forms a staple article of diet, and a clean-cropped swath, 

 like that made by sheep, is left where these geese have been feeding. 

 During the summer they vary their vegetable diet with small animals 

 to be found in tlieir favorite marshes, such as snails, tadpoles and 

 minnows. 



Both as an object of si)ort and as a eoiitribution to the table the 

 Canada Goose, as a rule, surpasses all other geese. The young of 

 this species are a real luxury, the flesh being very tender and sweet. 



