Sunday, 4 November 2012

The Odd One Out - Identification Help Needed!

Since I have been talking about this white goose in the field next to me, I decided to try and get a closer look. This meant getting mum up early again.

Mr White stood out as soon as we approached the field.



I couldn't help noticing that it had a distinctive orange bill and pure white body. So definitely not a snow goose because it hasn't got black tipped wings.  I still don't know what it is.
 

Eventually they all took off at once so they could take a dip in the lake.

 
As you can see Mr White is in a group with a load of Canada Geese


See, even when it flaps it's wings, it's pure white.


When they were all on the lake it looked pretty immense, so I will keep trying to identify this white goose. In the meantime does anyone have any ideas what it might be? 
 
It could be a domestic goose, but it has retunred with the Canada Geese for the last two years.

 
I also managed pictures of the Fieldfares, but you'll have to wait for my next post to see them.
 

7 comments:

  1. It's more than likely a domestic goose Findlay. I have seen Embden Geese with Canada geese all over Cheshire. Lovely blue eyes if you can get close enough to see them.

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    1. Would a domestice goose stay with the Canada geese for that long? It was with them last year too.

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  2. I call them farmyard geese Findlay, but Andrews domestic goose does nicely, It'll maybe stay with the Canada Geese forever.

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  3. Findlay, I found you this link about domestic greylags. Your goose will probably stay with the Canadas as long as they help it to find food.

    http://birds.cornell.edu/crows/domgeese.htm

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  4. Hi Findlay...That one sure can't hide in the midst can it : )!
    Phil is very knowledgeable about these things, hope his link to cornell helps!!
    Interesting post,and the photos gave a good look at the white one !!
    Grace

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  5. I've a white goose that looks similar at my local lake.
    The one at my local is a male Canada Goose, of dubious parentage. They do interbreed with Greylags from time to time, and also with the mixed offspring. This can throw up some unusual looking birds.

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  6. He looks lovely amongst all the Canadian Geese.

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