LEBRET T (1977) Observations on Grey Lag Geese Anser anser in a breeding area in The Netherlands. LIMOSA 50 (1): 10-21.

Greylag Goose Anser anser Observations on Grey Lag Geese Anser anser in a breeding area in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, Zeeland province, the Netherlands are described. The geese have spontaneously settled there in 1970, originating from the nearby feral Zwin-population at Knokke, Belgium. 2. The area (55 hal is a formal tidal creek and is owned by a provincial nature protection society. Open waters, reed marsh and grasslands are the main features. ' 3. Seasonal distribution of hatching, family size, some details on behaviour and on nurseries are dealt with. Feeding on reeds started in the second half of May only. Details on the wing moult of the adult geese are given. 4. The significance of certain features of the marsh as a breeding area for Grey Lag Geese is discussed. The area, though favourable by nature, would probably not be inhabited by breeding geese if the birds had not been of feral and therefore tame pedigree and if the marsh were not under protection. 5. The importance of wild geese as part of the ecosystem is discussed. Moreover the presence of a relatively tame population of wild geese is important as it makes the human population in the area more wildfowlprotection minded. It may lead to a better understanding of the importance of wetlands in general. 20

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