Duck in central Nevada high desert (1 Viewer)

[Joerg]

We saw this little fellow on our property yesterday. He (she?) seemed lost and out of his element. Possibly unable to fly. We are worried about him. Any info on what duck species we are looking at, what they eat and what we can do to help him/her to not become coyote dinner is much appreciated. We are in central NV at almost 5000ft elevation. Some natural springs but no lakes to speak of in a 40 mile radius.

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Welcome to BirdForum. That's a Greater White-fronted Goose.

 

[Joerg]

Thank you and thank you! Explains why I could not find a matching duck. It's a goose!

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Thank you and thank you! Explains why I could not find a matching duck. It's a goose!

Suspect it might be okay feeding where it's pictured, although it might be a problem if it can't fly properly and there's no water nearby. I guess it may just have got separated from a flock.

 

[Joerg]

Thank you! He seemed to enjoy snacking on small bushes. There are irrigated fields nearby that should provide water. We have not seen him today but I may create a small makeshift pond in a far corner of our property.

 

[birdmeister]

As Andrew says, it might be OK (especially near an irrigated field) for the time being. September is the peak month for Greater White-fronted Goose migration in the American Southwest, earlier than the rest of the goose species.