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Wednesday 15 August 2018

A rare bird

It was different, not a regular Canada goose with its white cheeks and chinstrap. 





It accompanied such a goose on Grand River when we visited there recently. This one had a shorter neck and extra white over its eyes. 





It was different enough for me to ask a bird expert, Denise, about it. 


She thought it might be a Barnacle goose, due to the shorter neck and the face pattern. This bird did not closely resemble Barnacle geese however. So Denise asked two other bird experts on Prince Edward Island.


The consensus is this individual is a hybrid Canada goose. It could be a natural mutation in a Canada goose. Or, some Canada geese are raised and bred for different facial features. This one could be an escapee, hanging out with wild geese now. The thick neck is from a resting posture as compared to the long neck of the alert goose. It was quiet while its partner honked loudly. The two stayed together the whole time we were there.





Whatever its story, this goose was a curious site on the Grand River

34 comments:

PerthDailyPhoto said...

As you say Marie, they make a handsome couple despite the difference.. Lovely reflections in these images ✨

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Extra eye makeup!

DJan said...

Well, it's pretty in any case. I like the unusual markings. :-)

Linda d said...

Fascinating Marie. I truly enjoy your birding adventures.

Anvilcloud said...

I just think that its mother had a wild night on the town ... er, pond.

William Kendall said...

Visually different, but still close enough to fool you at first glance.

Rhodesia said...

Interesting and it makes it very difficult to ID!! Take care Diane

Bill said...

A cute couple whatever they are. :)

Joanne Noragon said...

A fun mystery.

Debbie said...

great captures, it is a beautiful goose!! and it's nice to know people who know bird experts!!

Elephant's Child said...

I have obviously learnt more than I realised. I was thinking 'hybrid'. However it came by its plumage it is a beauty and thank you for sharing the magic.

Rick (Ratty) said...

This is very interesting. I have a love of Canada geese. This goose would have sent me on a great identity search that I would have never solved. But the conclusion you've gotten is one I would have suspected as well. Good stuff!

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Well spotted; it's so easy to just dismiss it as just another Canada Goose. It looks like a cross between a Canada Goose and a Barnacle Goose to me. We used to have one resident on a bird reserve near here and according to the warden of the reserve they are quite a common hybrid.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

I've just found this online which might be of interest
http://birdhybrids.blogspot.com/2014/03/barnacle-goose-x-canada-goose.html

Shammickite said...

We can't all be exactly the same so we celebrate our differences!

Catarina said...

They became friends, it seems. : )

Marie Smith said...

They were a pretty pair Grace.

Marie Smith said...

True Debra.

Marie Smith said...

It’s the only one we’ve ever seen like that Jan.

Marie Smith said...

Thanks Linda.

Marie Smith said...

Probably AC. Lol.

Marie Smith said...

True William. A handsome pair too.

Marie Smith said...

It does indeed Diane.

Marie Smith said...

They are Bill.

Marie Smith said...

Nature presents many of them Joanne.

Marie Smith said...

It’s a small island Debbie.

Marie Smith said...

The setting was perfect as was the pair EC.

Marie Smith said...

It was an interesting find Ratty.

Marie Smith said...

I cannot find any references to Barnacle geese on PEI, John. That’s one of the reasons this questionable one was an exciting find.

Marie Smith said...

Such an interesting find John. Thank you!

Marie Smith said...

We sure do Shammi!

Marie Smith said...

Or more than that possibly Catarina.

Jenn said...

Interesting....maybe he is a mutant goose with special powers. I watch a lot of super hero movies with my son lol!

Marie Smith said...

Lol. Great idea for a cartoon!