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
As you say Marie, they make a handsome couple despite the difference.. Lovely reflections in these images ✨
ReplyDeleteThey were a pretty pair Grace.
DeleteExtra eye makeup!
ReplyDeleteTrue Debra.
DeleteWell, it's pretty in any case. I like the unusual markings. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt’s the only one we’ve ever seen like that Jan.
DeleteFascinating Marie. I truly enjoy your birding adventures.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda.
DeleteI just think that its mother had a wild night on the town ... er, pond.
ReplyDeleteProbably AC. Lol.
DeleteVisually different, but still close enough to fool you at first glance.
ReplyDeleteTrue William. A handsome pair too.
DeleteInteresting and it makes it very difficult to ID!! Take care Diane
ReplyDeleteIt does indeed Diane.
DeleteA cute couple whatever they are. :)
ReplyDeleteThey are Bill.
DeleteA fun mystery.
ReplyDeleteNature presents many of them Joanne.
Deletegreat captures, it is a beautiful goose!! and it's nice to know people who know bird experts!!
ReplyDeleteIt’s a small island Debbie.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteThe setting was perfect as was the pair EC.
DeleteThis 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!
ReplyDeleteIt was an interesting find Ratty.
DeleteWell 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.
ReplyDeleteI cannot find any references to Barnacle geese on PEI, John. That’s one of the reasons this questionable one was an exciting find.
DeleteI've just found this online which might be of interest
ReplyDeletehttp://birdhybrids.blogspot.com/2014/03/barnacle-goose-x-canada-goose.html
Such an interesting find John. Thank you!
DeleteWe can't all be exactly the same so we celebrate our differences!
ReplyDeleteWe sure do Shammi!
DeleteThey became friends, it seems. : )
ReplyDeleteOr more than that possibly Catarina.
DeleteInteresting....maybe he is a mutant goose with special powers. I watch a lot of super hero movies with my son lol!
ReplyDeleteLol. Great idea for a cartoon!
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