[obol] Ankeny Aleutian Cackling Goose
- From: Jack Williamson <jack.williamson.jr@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: OBOL Oregon Birders Online <obol@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 17 May 2014 21:26:10 -0700
We cruised through Ankeny Wildlife Refuge today on our way to a family get
together in Sweet Home. We had time for just two stops, our first was the
overlook at Eagle Marsh. When we pulled into the parking lot, Jill noticed
four small geese foraging close by in the grass. The Cackling Geese, looked
lethargic and approachable on one hand, and yet alert, constantly scanning
the sky for threats, on the other.
Once out of the car with bins in hand, we noticed one of the geese was
obviously different from its companions. Being the excitable sort - I ran
for the camera while Jill rolled her eyes :-)
I am grateful to report that we captured relatively sharp, color-neutral,
exposure-adjusted, images of the following distinguishing field marks of
the Aleutian Cackling Goose;
A wide, white neck-ring, punctuated by a semi-circle of dark feathers in
front, pale grayish-brown colored breast, and (importantly) cheek patches
separated by a black line under the throat.
Five Images:
http://www.jack-n-jill.net/blog/2014/5/ankeny-aleutian-cackling-goose
- - - If not for D. Irons' post of Cackling Geese at this location the day
before we would have likely missed, or worse, dismissed their presence as
nothing special.
--
Jack Williamson
West Linn, Oregon
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