ML626989691

Observation details

Grazing on the shore of Kirk Lake. Precise count before they fly away. Identification notes 1 (scope x30 from 600 m away before they fly): size difficult to evaluate but neck appears rather short, upper part of neck dark-brown contrasts with rather pale breast, beak appears short with some unclear pink sometimes visible, legs appear pinkish, tail forms white patch from a distance. Identification notes 2 (binoculars x10 as they fly around): very dark underwing contrasts with white tail and very pale upperwings. Neck still appears rather short. Identification notes 3 (pictures from a large distance, as they disappear in flight with some Brants): in addition to the above, size a bit larger than Brants, white band at the end of the tail is rather large, back and upper wings both appear very pale. Behavior: This group of geese was bathing in a shallow lake before grazing on the shore and finally flying away as I approached. Final note: A group of Pink-footed geese had also been observed last year by my team at this location during the summer months. Excellent pictures were taken by a trail camera, very clearly showing pink legs. Pictures available but not uploaded to Macaulay Libray as they do not fit the date of the current observation and were taken by an automatic infrared-triggered camera.

Additional species

• Brant Branta bernicla