Improved Technique in Goose Trapping with Cannon-Type Net Traps

Abstract

On June 9, 1954 a nest was found in Pen 6, Unit A, which was being incubated by a male Mongolian pheasant. At that time, the nest contained two eggs. It was built in a shallow depression and lined with feathers from the breast of the male. Three days later the nest contained three eggs. The bird's actions while incubating the eggs were similar to those of a broody hen. He spent little time away from the nest, and when approached while on the nest, he would hiss, fluff his feathers and attack the intruder. This cock continued to incubate the eggs for a period of 14 days. On June 22, 1954 he deserted the nest, and on the following day one of the eggs was found broken in the nest. In hopes that the male would return to the nest, a week was permitted to elapse before the two remaining eggs were examined. On June 30, 1954 the two eggs were opened, but they showed no signs of embryon c development. On Jun 11, 1954 a n st was found in Pen 5, Unit A, which was being incubated by a male pheasant. It, too, was built in a shallow depression and contained three eggs. Although feathers from the breast of the cock were found in the depression, they were not used to line the nest. This bird's actions while incubating the eggs were dissimilar to those of a broody hen. He spent considerable time away from the nest, and when app oached while on the nest, he would leave it without showing signs of hostility. The male continued to incubate the eggs for a period of 8 days. On June 18, 1954 he deserted the nest, and on the following day one of the eggs was found broken in the nest. On June 23, 1954 the two remaining eggs were examined, but embryonic development was not apparent.