Rare Bird Report 41-B-09

Idaho Bird Records Committee Rarities Report Form

Species: Cackling Goose

Reporter: Steve Butterworth, 960 Country Road, Idaho Falls Idaho, 83402

(208) 522-6493 (h) (208) 520-7990 (cell), tntbutters@cableone.net

Other Observers: Marv Lambrech observed the Goose later the same day still with the flock of Ross’s/Snow Geese.

Date Report Prepared: 5/30/09

Date Sighting Occurred: 5/8/09

Locality of Observation: North side of Mud Lake

Habitat: Lake

Conditions: Clear skies, light winds.

Did you take notes…

during the observation? ___ _________

after the observation? _____ _________

the same day? ____________________

another day?______________________

not at all? __________No______________

Did you consult a field guide or other reference work?

during the observation?____________

later the same day? _______________

another day? _____________________

not at all? ____________No____________

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

Description: Goose was smaller than both the Ross’s and Snow Goose and has a small stubby size bill, chin strap, short neck and a darker breast. No white neck ring was observed which is typical for the minima subspecies although the white ring typical to the other subspecies of Cackling Goose can be hard to detect.

Behavior: The Cackling goose was found with a small mixed flock of Ross’s and Snow Goose. It never did venture away from the Snow or Ross’s Geese. It seemed to prefer hanging out with them rather than the larger Canada Goose scattered around the lake.

How and when did you positively identify the bird, and what clinched the identification for you? Specimen was not observed at first as I was looking through scope at the small flock of the Snow and Ross’s Geese when I observed it mixed in with them. Immediately. Size, head shape and bill size.

How did you eliminate similar species, and what were they? Primarily size as other species of the Canada goose complex are larger than a Ross’s goose. Specimen also had a darker breast. Brant does not have Chin strap.

Experience with this species (and similar species): Not much with Cackling but this specimen only resembles a Canada Goose in Pattern rather than size and head shape.

General birding experience: Fairly extensive.

Were photo(s), video, and/or audio obtained by you? (If yes, please include or attach) Photo is attached.

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