The extent
of the migrations of this species remains as yet unknown. Its progress along
our Atlantic shores in October, November, and December, is varied, and in a
great measure uncertain, it being apparently induced to tarry or to proceed by
the changes which may happen in the temperature. It in fact appears to remain
along the coast until forced away by the intensity of the cold, when it resumes
its flight, and removes to countries beyond the southern limits of the United
States.
The Brant
Goose may be considered as a salt-water bird, for it never ascends our rivers
beyond the influence of the tides, nor is found on inland lakes or ponds,
unless it be wounded, and happen to alight accidentally in such places. To this
natural predilection for salt-water may be attributed its habit of flying round
the projections of capes and headlands: it very seldom passing directly over a
neck of land, unless suddenly surprised and alarmed by the gunner.
