THE BRENT GOOSE 



Brent Geese are much sought after by punt-gunners, not only on account of 

 the sport afforded, but by reason of their excellence for the table. They are very 

 wary and difficult of approach, unless tamed by severe weather. 



Their food consists chiefly of the sea-grass Zostera marina, obtained on the 

 mud-flats at low tide. 



It is well known that wild fowl and other migratory birds fly at a great height 

 when travelling, and move at an astonishing speed. Referring to this subject, 

 a correspondent in the Field (December 4, 1915) gives some very interesting 

 notes. He says, "While flying on duty between Bdthune and La Bassde at a 

 height of 8500 feet this afternoon (November 26), I was astonished to see a flock 

 of about 500 ducks or geese passing over Bdthune at least 3000 feet above the 

 level of our machine. The wind was about 45-50 m.p.h. N.N.E., and the birds 

 were travelling due south. They were flying at a tremendous speed, and were 

 soon out of sight, as we were flying north." This shows that the birds were 

 at an altitude of about two and a quarter miles, and probably quite out of sight 

 from the ground. 



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