240 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis. 



BRANTA CANADENSIS CANADENSIS (Linn.). Canada Goose. 



Fairly abundant migrant and somewhat common winter resident. 

 Formerly a summer resident. 



Flocks of hundreds of these geese are still to be seen, espe- 

 cially in spring. The Canada Goose arrives in early February 

 and March and leaves on the southward flight in November or 

 December, depending on the severity of the season. Canada 

 Geese have been frequently observed wintering here and it has 

 been no uncommon sight to see these wintering flocks tumbling 

 pell mell into the current of the Missouri River amid great 

 fields and agitated masses of floating ice. Great numbers have 

 been killed over decoys in January from blinds built of blocks 

 of ice on sand bars and points. 



The Wild Goose was a common breeder here in the early days 

 in the bottom land jungles. 



Several farmers in this vicinity have extensive flocks of do- 

 mesticated Canada Geese which breed freely in confinement. 



Fine specimens of this and the Snow Goose as well as several 

 species of the commoner ducks are to be seen in the Swope 

 Park Zoo. 



Long lines of these geese pass over the city during every sea- 

 son and on stormy nights during migration may be heard honk- 

 ing low over the house tops. 



BRANTA CANADENSIS HUTCHINSI (Richardson). Hutchins's 



Goose. 

 Fairly common migrant. 



This small subspecific form of the Canada Goose is often seen 

 in rather large flocks and is sometimes found flocking with its 

 big relative. 



Owing to increased activity in manufacturing and transpor- 

 tation, some of the wilder and more wary water fowl have of 

 late years avoided certain stretches of the Missouri River where 

 they formerly "used," but this does not mean that there has 

 been a proportionate decrease in their numbers. They simply 

 seek greater seclusion further up the river or lower down. This 

 small goose, in particular, is seldom taken in the county but is 

 fairly common elsewhere in the vicinity. 



Its high pitched gabbling note was formerly an important 

 element in the wild music so keenly enjoyed and appreciated 

 by ornithologists. 



