Great photo Owen and perfect for the following discussion. Colby and I
have been discussing whether this bird is possibly a hybrid or within the
range of individual variation for a male Ross's Goose. Features good for
Ross's are rounded head shape with steep forehead making an angle withe the
bill, straight vertical line made by the feathering at the base of the
bill, and very small size (bird actually appeared slightly smaller than
nearby minima Cackling Geese). Features indicating possible hybridization
with Snow Goose are the longish bill with maybe a slightly pinched tip and
a hint of a grin patch, and the dull olive-colored, smooth base to the bill
(pure Ross's usually more blue-gray sometimes with warty carbuncles).
Feedback is welcome.
Philip Kline
On Wed, Dec 4, 2019, 7:48 PM Owen Schmidt <oschmidt@xxxxxxx> wrote:
…….. this afternoon, found by Colby Neuman, seen by others, off NW Reeder
Road, just short of Reeder Beach RV Park. Longitude: 122° 46' 26.652” W
Latitude: 45° 42' 39.72” N. Single bird with dozens of Snow Geese and
many thousands of Cackling Geese.
oschmidt@xxxxxxx
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
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