605 
1921 .] Winter Avifauna of the Cam,argue, 
30 Dec., about live miles north of Les Saintes Maries. 
Considered as a rare winter straggler by the old French 
writers, it must now be a very rare bird in France. 
Phcenic opt eras antiquoram Teinm. 
While I saw no Flamigoes personally, there can be no 
doubt that it still exists in considerable numbers in the 
Cam argue, as all tbe natives know the bird well. A Bock 
was seen three days before my arrival flying east near the 
village of Les Saintes Maries, the number estimated 
variously at 500-700. The natives claim that in winter this 
bird occasionally disappears if the water is very low (as was 
the case during my visit), or when a norther is blowing. 
They have no theory as to where it goes. They appear to be 
perfectly familiar with the plumage of tbe young bird, and 
claimed that about one-quarter of the individuals in the flock 
mentioned above were young. 
Anser sp. 
A few Geese were heard at night, and one small flock seen 
at dawn, when colour details could not be distinguished. 
Probably the Grey Lag-Goose, other species, according to 
Crespon, occurring only in severe cold weather. 
Tadorna tadorna (L.). 
Two Sheld-Ducks observed on the Etang de Yalcares, 
31 Dec. 
Anas platyrhyncha L. 
The Mallard was almost incredibly abundant, by day 
flocking on the open waters of the larger Etangs, and flying 
into the fresher marshes and reed-bordered ponds by night 
to feed. 
Anas strepera L. 
Only two Gad wall were positively identified. It is 
undoubtedly common. 
Anas crecca L. 
The Teal was fairly common. 
SER. XI,—VOL. Ill, 
2s 
