Superb to have good, clear images of such a goose to look at - good
documentation! I think this is a Canada Goose x Graylag Goose hybrid. This
combination is fairly common, especially in city parks, where the domesticated
form of
Graylag mixes with feral Canada Geese that are local nesters (domestic
Graylag is often called "Barnyard Goose", but this can also apply to Swan Goose
and
its various combinations with Graylags and others). The white at the bill
base is typical of domestic Graylag, and the tint of fleshy-yellow in the bill
(which is rather a deep-based bill) is also correct for Graylag genes. Often
these geese look 'heavy' through the rear portion of the body when they are
out of the water, walking or grazing with Canadas, but hybrids and backcrosses
can look close to Canada in proportions. The big Sibley guide has a good
average image of a Greater White-fronted Goose x Canada Goose hybrid on page
77,
and indeed the body looks very close to the Alexandria bird, but the pattern of
the head differs.
I don't know that Virginia has a documented record of a Greater White-fronted
x Canada hybrid. If we get one, it will likely be among the huge groups of
Canada Geese (wild ones) that winter in the tributaries of the Chesapeake.
More than likely, a family group will be involved, with a normal adult
White-fronted, a normal adult Canada, and offspring that appear intermediate
and that
stay relatively close to the adults.
Again, nice work in getting those images - !
Ned Brinkley
Cape Charles, VA
In a message dated 7/20/06 7:57:43 PM, moran4@xxxxxxxxx writes:
A "different" goose arrived and is hanging out with the Canadas and
domestics at Pinewood Lake. Maybe a Great White-fronted x Canada
hybrid due to the lighter cheek and lack of flank line.
Pictures can be found on my dad's site:
http://www.pbase.com/rmoran/