Record #: 15-B-07

Idaho Bird Records Committee Rarities Report Form

Species: Cackling Goose

Reporter: Jay Carlisle

6105 Kirkwood Rd

Boise, ID 83709

jaycarlisle@boisestate.edu

Other Observers: none

Date Report Prepared: 2-4-07

Date Sighting Occurred: 12-11-05

Locality of Observation: Ann Morrison Park, Boise, Ada Co.

Habitat: grassy field in NE part of park. Note: this is the same general area where I’d seen one on 11-4-05 but I had also visited the area in between and not seen one. Same bird or not?

Conditions: I don’t remember conditions except that it was near dusk and that I was able to view the bird from close range; I used naked eye and Swarovski EL 10x42 binoculars.

Did you take notes? not at all

Did you consult a field guide or other reference work? after the observation

What guide(s) or reference(s) did you consult?

Sibley & National Geographic

Description: A small goose with Canada Goose-like patterning, a smaller bill, and a steeper forehead. I’m not certain about subspecies.

Behavior: The bird was feeding on grass in the company of Canada Geese.

How and when did you positively identify the bird, and what clinched the identification for you? Right away due to size in comparison to the nearby Canadas and also upon observing the smaller bill and different forehead shape.

How did you eliminate similar species, and what were they? Canada Goose is the only similar appearing species but is generally 2x the size – differentiated by the above-mentioned features. Lesser Canada Goose (parvipes – more similar in size) has a more elongated bill and less-steep forehead shape.

Experience with this species (and similar species): I have observed many Cackling Geese during migration and winter in California and have observed several others at this same location in recent years (reports in prep).

General birding experience: extensive; 14+ years in US and Latin America

Were photo(s), video, and/or audio obtained by you? (If yes, please include or attach) No.