64 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 



76 [172] Branta canadensis canadensis (Linn.). 



Canada Goose; "Wild Goose." 



Common transient visitor. March 9 to May 25 (June 2, June 5) ; Septem- 

 ber 17 to January 11. 



Dr. J. C. Phillips^ states that the western edge of the flight of this species 

 crosses Cape Ann near Essex. He also finds that the greatest flights are made 

 in calm weather or with light airs from the northwest. 



A large flock of semi-wild geese was kept during Mr. Clark's lifetime at 

 Great Neck, and they nested on the hillside near the pond. Their nests were 

 made of dried moss and grasses lined with feathers and down like one I found in 

 Labrador. The down is used as a covering for the three to five eggs when the 

 female is not sitting. The gander, easily recognized by his large size and thicker 

 neck, seemed always to be in the neighborhood, ready to repel the intruder. This 

 he does by advancing in a threatening manner with head down but drawing it up 

 and back at frequent intervals and calling woo-oup with repeated grunting sounds 

 between. On my speedy departure he returned toward the nest, calling tri- 

 umphantly. 



The young, even when two-thirds grown, emit a plaintive whistling sound, 

 and are able to make off over the water by the use of both wings and feet with 

 great speed. They also dive awkwardly. 



[172a] Branta canadensis hutchinsi (Rich.). Hutchins's Goose; Lesser Canada 

 Goose, — There are still no specimens to authenticate this subspecies in Essex County. 



77 [173a] Branta bernicla glaucogastra (Brehm). 

 Brant. 



Common transient visitor. April 7 to May 12 (June 15) ; September 2 to 

 December 26. 



The June 15 date is of a record for 1890 overlooked in the original Memoir. 

 The bird was seen by William Brewster, William A. Jeffries and Dr. John A. 

 Jeffries near Swampscott. The following is the note kindly given me by Mr. 

 Brewster from his Journal : " On the way back we sailed close to Pig Rock. The 

 top of the larger rock was literally covered with Herring Gulls. . . . Near them on 

 a rock, at the water's edge, sat a Brant Goose preening its feathers. I had a 

 good view of it through my glass at a distance of about one hundred yards. It 



1 Phillips, J. C. Auk, vol. 27, p. 263-271, 1910. 



