Voting Comments

Barnacle Goose
Record #6-A-03

1st Round: 1-6
2nd Round: 0-7

1st Round

2nd Round

15 January 2010
Weisse – Accept

While it’s not possible to be sure of this bird’s provenance it occurred at the expected time for a true vagrant and records are increasing.  eBird records for this species show two distinct spikes, one in November the other in early October.  If nothing else my accept vote will ensure discussion of this record.

1 February 2010
Cliff Weisse--Reject, natural occurrence questionable

After further consideration I'm not comfortable accepting this record as a naturally occurring vagrant. There is no pattern of vagrancy to the region and this species is very popular with aviculturists.

12-17-2009
Dave Trochlell--Reject, natural occurrence questionable

This goose appears to be correctly identified as a Barnacle Goose, but the wild provenance of this north Atlantic species would be unlikely anywhere in North America away from eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S.

Because Barnacle Geese are kept in aviaries in the Pacific Northwest (including a now-closed zoo in Nampa), the most likely explanation for the bird's occurrence in Idaho was that it had escaped or was released from someone's animal collection.

02-12-2010
Dave Trochlell--Reject, natural occurrence questionable

Again, the wild provinance of this Barnacle Goose is too troubling for my acceptance of the record.

12-20-2009
Sturts--Reject, natural occurrence questionable

There is a strong possibilitly that this is an escaped bird so on this round I'm voting not to accept it.

02-27-2010
Sturts--Reject, specific identification not established

I am staying with my first round vote for the same reasons.

12-27-2009
Darren Clark--Reject, natural occurrence questionable

This looks like a Barnacle Goose, but I doubt the natural occurrence of the bird.

03-09-2010
Darren Clark--Reject, natural occurrence questionable

Cliff makes some good points. I'm still not comfortable accepting this record. I stand by my previous comments about origin.

12-27-2009
Chuck Trost--Reject, natural occurrence questionable

I would have to see a pattern of occurance to accept such a record.

2-1-10
chuck trost--Reject, natural occurrence questionable

Again, we've got to see a pattern.

21 December 2009
Hardy--Reject, natural occurrence questionable

Clearly identifiable as a Barnacle Goose; no signs of hybridization, but a pattern of vagrancy this far west has yet to be established. There is no sign that this is an escaped captive bird, and so it is an important record that may be revisited in the future.

3 February 2010
Hardy--Reject, natural occurrence questionable

Same comments as first round.

1-31-10
Carlisle--Reject, natural occurrence questionable

It's a Barnacle .. only question is origin. I honestly don't know how to best judge the potential for wild occurrence of this species in the West. There is a recognized, annual occurrence in late fall/winter in northeastern NA and crazier things have happened ... but I'm voting NO for now.

2-25-10
Carlisle--Reject, specific identification not established

I like a combination of Dave & Lisa's suggestions: "Not Accepted - Natural occurrence questionable" & "Identification accepted, provenance unknown" Maybe: "ID certain; but not accepted b/c natural occurrence questionable"