84 Geese of Europe and Asia 



mass of these geese on the stubbles, winter-sown fields, and the steppe around Shungak-kul. 

 Many spots presented from a distance the appearance of having been ploughed over- 

 night, to such an extent were they blackened by the flocks of geese. On the next day there 

 were still more birds. During the whole time it was fine autumn weather, but it became 

 gradually colder. On September 29 I drove to Asly-kul, where, near the lake, I observed 

 such a mass of geese as defied enumeration. The flocks flying on to the lake literally 

 eclipsed the sun's light, and when rising from the fields dazzled the eyes, glittering like 

 snowflakes in a storm. Towards night it began to freeze, with a clear sky and a high 

 wind, and by the following day the geese had sensibly diminished in numbers. On 

 October 1 I was again at Shungak-kul; the weather had changed, snow and rain 

 alternating with clear frosty weather, which was succeeded by a thaw. The number of 

 geese kept decreasing, and the last gaggles were observed on October 4. 



"The mode of life of Anser neglectus during its halts while migrating is pretty 

 simple. The geese feed in the field or steppe, pass the night on lakes and staritsas (ancient 

 river-beds filled with stagnant water), and fly there to drink in the course of the day. Sun- 

 rise already finds them feeding. Here and there in the stubbles and winter crops or on the 

 steppe are scattered the grazing flocks in dark patches, and only rarely a small belated 

 gaggle appears, the members of which, with loud cries, fly from the lake to join their com- 

 panions. The feeding geese move slowly in one mass farther and farther, leaving the crops 

 behind them considerably trodden down, calling all the time to each other in a low tone. 

 The sonorous notes of the leaders are then rarely heard, and almost always indicate the 

 approach of danger. On the fowler's appearance the geese raise a cackle, the flock rises, 

 and if there is no shot, alights again some 150 paces farther on, as if testing the patience of 

 the sportsman. By noon the geese are satisfied and eat more slowly, occasionally uttering 

 a cry and preening their feathers ; and, finally, the flock rises and flies to water. For the 

 noonday drink the gaggles arrive at different times. Usually the geese may be found by 

 day on the water between eleven and two o'clock, but if the weather be dry and the sun 

 rather hot, they begin to fly to water from ten o'clock, while if the weather be wet, especially 

 if snow has fallen, many flocks pass the whole day feeding, satisfying their thirst with the 

 moisture of their damp food. A flock just arrived on the water will sometimes whirl in a 

 circle before settling, but usually drops straight from a considerable height. It is a curious 

 sight to behold when, in descending on the water, a goose will rush headlong downwards, 

 executing twists and turns that might excite the envy of a duck. Not knowing this trick, I 

 often missed the chance for a shot. The flock flies high, out of range, when all at once the 

 geese throw themselves down with such speed as to produce a swishing noise, and rush 

 past the gunner's hiding-place. Then the flock drops on to the water usually some distance 

 from the shore ; the geese settle, drink, bathe, and then rise and again fly to the field. 

 Their place is at once taken by other flocks, and although each passes not more than half an 

 hour on the water, geese are to be seen there during the whole of the time devoted to 

 drinking, the air being filled with the hustle of skeins coming and going. The scene may 

 be particularly well observed on some small mere, where the geese are of necessity crowded. 

 Still more interesting is the scene presented by the arrival of the geese on the lake to pass 

 the night. In order to get a full view of this, I lay in wait from three in the afternoon. 

 The time for drinking was already past ; only a few belated flocks were left, soon to leave 

 the lake. To get within shot of these would be difficult ; besides, firing would certainly hinder 

 further observations. Having arranged an ambush in the reeds or bushes, I used to take 



