BIRDS MET WITH BY THE WILDFOWLER 301 



autumn migrant to the British Isles. It has occurred several 

 times in Ireland, and small flocks were seen in Cumberland, 

 Northumberland, and Yorkshire during the severe winter of 

 1 890- 1. 



The adult is pure white, with black quills. The young have 

 the upper plumage greyish, brownish grey on the back, and 

 whitish on the under parts. Legs and feet pale slate colour ; 

 bill black. Length from 29 to 30 in. 



GREY LAG GOOSE . 

 Anser cinereus (Meyer) 



Although about a century ago this bird used to nest in the 

 fens of Cambridge and Lincolnshire, and the carrs of Yorkshire, 

 it has long since ceased to do so, and it can now only be found 

 breeding in the north of Scotland and in the Outer Hebrides. 

 In winter it occurs on our coasts in company with other species 

 of Geese, but it is by no means common, and the greater num- 

 ber pass on to the south, reappearing on their way north in 

 spring. The food consists chiefly of grass and other green 

 food, which it seeks on salt marshes near the sea by day, 

 retiring to the shore to rest at night. It is the only Goose 

 that breeds in our islands. Geese are strong fliers, and, being 

 very cautious birds, extremely difficult to approach. In flight 

 they usually assume a wedge-shaped formation. The note is 

 a harsh "gaggle, gaggle," like that of our domestic Goose, 

 which is supposed to have originated from this species. 



There is some doubt as to the origin of the name Grey 

 Lag, but it is now generally conceded to have been applied to 

 this species because it lagged behind after the other Geese had 

 gone to their breeding quarters in the north. 



The adult is greyish brown on the upper parts and breast, 

 the rest of the under parts being whitish grey with a few black 

 feathers. The young are rather darker and lack the black 

 feathers underneath. Length 34 in. ; wing 17 in. 



