ML333161901

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Found earlier by Eric Witmer. Initially seen at the north tip of Seaside island 39.976437, -76.469302, before flying up to join Canada Geese below Big island 39.984165, -76.476426 where it remained for the afternoon. Map of the islands here https://photos.app.goo.gl/yCnV9a4kgqc9oRWK7 First county record of a bean-goose, which looks good for "tundra." A bit smaller than our local maxima CANG. Compared to "taiga": shorter bill with deeper base, convex lower mandible, orange restricted to subterminal band on bill tip, smaller more rounded head, shorter neck, and dark head and neck. Most taiga gives a distinct large head and "schnozz" feel. Apparently, some intermediate birds in large flocks in the Old World maybe not be distinguishable, but this individual looks standard for tundra. This individual is distinct from the first state record bird which overwintered in Delaware and Philadelphia counties, as that bird had slightly more extensive orange up above the nostrils. Not visible from shore on this day and the next (May 3rd), except maybe the York county side at Klines Run Park with a good spotting scope. A boat is required to traverse and view the inside of the islands, preferably a canoe or kayak as the water is often quite shallow. Hilariously, it was harassed and quite distressed by a trio of Fish Crows which must have found the bird odd, as their interest was definitely piqued.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Lens

EF400mm f/5.6L USM

ISO

160

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/1250 sec

Dimensions

1865 pixels x 1243 pixels

Original file size

342.07 KB