THE PINK-FOOTED GOOSE. 

 Anser brachyrhynchtis, Baillon. 

 Plate 43. 



The late Mr. A. D. Bartlet has the credit of having first brought to the notice 

 of British naturalists in 1839, that this short-billed species differed from the other 

 "Grey" Geese, but he was unaware that it had been already distinguished by 

 Baillon. As previously mentioned, it closely resembles the Bean-Goose, but may 

 always be recognised by the shortness of its bill. According to Lord Lilford, 

 the pink colour of the legs and feet is not constant, or to be certainly depended 

 upon. 



On the eastern coast of England it appears to be by far the most numerous 

 species, being scarcer in the west and south. 



The B.O.U. "List of British Birds" (1915) states that "it breeds in Spits- 

 bergen, almost certainly in Iceland, and probably also in Franz Joseph Land. It 

 winters in North-western and Western Europe." 



Little appears to be known about the nest, but it is said to be so placed that 

 the bird can obtain a wide view of its surroundings, and the eggs are described 

 as being the same as those of the Bean-Goose in colour. 



I have received from Mr. R. J. Howard the following notes describing the 

 arrival of the Pink-footed Geese at the Ribble estuary on September 26, 19 15, 

 as seen by Mr. W. Pennington of Southport : 



"The birds, about two hundred in number, were heard before they could be 

 seen, so great was the height. They descended in small gaggles of eight or 

 ten, led by a single bird, in a wide spiral, and were so tired, that they went 

 straight to sleep and allowed the gunner to walk in the open almost within shot 

 before they rose." 



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