Jennifer is right - it's a snow goose. Ross's goose has no grin patch. Some
authorities believe even a hint of a grin patch in a Ross's goose suggests
snow goose hybridization. Size is rarely ever a good field mark to use when
identifying any species of bird (and sorting it from similar species). Just
as there are several subspecies of Canada and cackling goose, the same is
true of snow and Ross's.
On Sun, Apr 16, 2023, 4:07 PM Heppert, Joseph A. <jheppert@xxxxxx> wrote:
Jennifer,
Thanks for the comment. Brought it to light given how late in the season
it seems to sight these guys.
When I saw it, I also thought “snow goose”, but the size is totally!!
wrong for a mature snow goose…note the cackler next to it. This was a very,
very small goose. It could easily have been mistaken for a large domestic
duck…but obviously not a duck.
I saw the “smile” and had second thoughts…but further input would be
appreciated!!
Thanks as always for your expertise,
Joe
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 16, 2023, at 3:46 PM, Jennifer Miller <foundnatureblog@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Thanks, Joe and Kathy! Your goose looks like a Snow Goose. The grin
patch and bill are too large for a Ross’. Still a good find since they
should be gone by now.
Beautiful pic of the flycatchers!
Jennifer
Jennifer Miller
Lubbock, TX
(o,o)
/)_)
" "
Email: foundnatureblog@xxxxxxxxx
Blog:
https://foundnature.weebly.com/
On Apr 16, 2023, at 2:54 PM, Heppert, Joseph A. <jheppert@xxxxxx> wrote:
All,
Photos of Ross’s Goose and split-tailed flycatchers. Ross’s Goose was at
north Lake 4 this morning.
Flycatchers were at north shore lake 6 just “before” the boat launch
area…very active.
Best,
Joe and Kathy
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<image1.jpeg>
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 16, 2023, at 1:15 PM, Heppert, Joseph <Joseph.Heppert@xxxxxxx>
wrote:
Ross’s Goose this morning at the north end of Lake 4. Joe
Sent from my iPhone