[TN-Bird] Snow Goose and Richardson Goose

Dear TN Birders,
     Marcia Davis and I just returned from visiting Ray Cook's pond/lake 
outside Sevierville, TN.  The geese were very cooperative and with the help of 
a 
scope and assorted field guides and bird books Marcia and I determined that the 
white goose is a snow goose and not a Ross's goose.  Ross's goose has a 
shorter neck and smaller bill, and it is a smaller bird than this bird.  The 
bill 
of the Snow Goose is a different shape than the Ross's.
     The Richardson's goose is identical to the illustration for this bird in 
several guides.  The Richardson's was resting in the grass at first.  When it 
stood up, we were surprised to see what short legs this small goose has.  The 
cheek patch on the Richardson's goose is at a slightly different angle and 
shape than the Canada goose.
       According to Mr. Cook the two birds arrived about two months ago and 
have been hanging around together.  I took quite a few photographs and look 
forward to seeing if the comparisons show up that I tried to achieve.
       Mr. Cook's pond is very attractive with a small island and reedy areas 
along the edges in a couple of spots.  There are several families of Canada 
geese with goslings of all ages from 4 days old to larger ones which are 
developing the cheek patches of the adults.  Marcia kept track of the numbers 
and 
details for her Knoxville News Sentinel column, and she can report numbers 
later.
       Tree and barn swallows swooped around the water.  Bluebirds sang and 
perched nearby while cedar waxwings darted about the cedar trees.  The lone 
duck seen was a male mallard.  The hillside opposite from Mr. Cook's house was 
perfect territory for the Yellowthroats that called continuously.  Of course, 
redwing blackbirds were seen around the edges of the water.
       We appreciated Mr. Cook's hospitality, and he welcomed others to see 
the geese.  The directions are in Kris Johnson's post.  I might add that it is 
about six miles from where you see the high school on the left to where you 
turn off 411.

Good birding!
Barbara Finney
Knoxville, TN


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