7 replies to this topic

[ChiTanion]

On 10/10/12 at 7:45am, I found a small Canada Goose in a pond in north eastern ohio. It was with a bunch or “regular “canadas (branta canadensis maxima). My friend was able to get a few pictures of it, although the quality is not the best as it was early and about to rain. I was hoping someone would be able to offer some insight on the bird.
Thank in advance,
Cory Chia

[Liam]

Are you sure it's not a Cackling Goose? (different species than Canada) I've never seen one personally, but the stocky head and bill and short neck support Cackling.

[psweet]

That does look good for Cackling, which would most likely be richardson's, given the location.

[blackburnian]

Agree with Cackling Goose

[blackburnian]

Also this bird is obviously much smaller than the Canada's beside it

[ChiTanion]

Are you sure it's not a Cackling Goose? (different species than Canada) I've never seen one personally, but the stocky head and bill and short neck support Cackling.

thats what i was hoping for but i didnt want to jump the gun!

[guy_incognito]

Unfortunately size is not a good way to differentiate between Canada and Cackling. The lesser subspecies of Canada is nearly the same size as the larger Cacklings. Also, the bill on the lesser Canada also appears rather short and stubby.

Here is a nice article explaining the difficulty separating the two: http://azfo.org/gall...eekedGeese.html

I would agree that yours is a Cackling because of the relatively steep forehead.

[cestma]

You can sure tell when they're calling, though! (Unless the smaller Canada subsp sounds that different from the larger ones.)