BRENT GOOSE 73 
also plunge their heads and necks under water to obtain 
food at the bottom of shallow sea-pools. On one occasion 
I witnessed a large ‘ gagele’ of Brent Geese break up into 
two parties; one continued to feed as above described, 
the other entered the shallow, tranquil water of the 
rising tide, on which they moved smoothly in the same 
direction as bie eliding on the surface of a polished 
sheet of glass. Calmly but not suspiciously—they viewed 
their surroundings, turning their heads and slender necks 
now to this side now to that, having nought to fear, and 
presenting a peaceful and fascinating appearance on a warm, 
calm, bright day in mid-winter. It is astonishing how 
unsuspicious these Geese are when compared with those 
harassed by the ‘staunchion’ shooter. The hunted Brent 
becomes gun-shy and extremely vigilant, guarding its 
numbers by outposted sentinels. Illustrative of the astute- 
ness of this species when trying to baffle the efforts of 
the sportsman, Sir KR. Payne- Gallwey writes: ‘“‘A couple 
of winters ago I was lying in a deep channel at low tide. 
‘There was a large eagele of several hundred Brent, feeding 
some distance off. One of them wandered from his coim- 
panions along way in search, I suppose, of daintier food. 
He suddenly ‘popped his head over the bank within a dozen 
yards of where I lay motionless in my punt awaiting the 
rising tide that would bring me within shot. The Goose 
stared, I stared. ‘ Brenta”’ would soon spring, I thought, 
and spoil my chance of a shot with my swivel gun. Not 
so! he merely stalked back to his friends, and on reaching 
them sprang up and led them off seaward.” 
Flight.—Vhe flight of the Brent Goose is strong and 
swift. When flying the members of a flock frequently alter 
their relative positions. I have seen a flock travel through 
the air in a steady V-shaped pattern for some distance, and 
then change to an irregular linear figure, the birds in the 
rear overtaking those in advance. Finally, before descend- 
ing, the flock often assumes a rounded and compact mass, 
which thins out as the birds approach the ground. 
Voice.—The note may be syllabled hoyank-hiink-hiink : 
it is rather loud and unmusical. 
Food.—The Brent feeds among the ooze and patches of 
sand, laid bare by the receding tide. It seems very partial 
to Zostera marina, but other “seaweeds are also eaten. It 
feeds by day, differing, in that respect, from the Bernacle. 
Nest.—The nest is built of grass and other vegetable 
materials, and is thickly lied with down.. 
