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 
1890-1. 
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 34in.; wing 17 in. 
