A Different Canada Goose (1 Viewer)

Hi All

I did post this on Hants Go Birding with no response so will try on here. On Tuesday evening I stopped at the Redbridge Flyover to the West of Southampton looking for a few 'day ticks' and saw a Canada Goose which was different. It was noticeably smaller than the other normal flavoured ones, and had a wholly dark body except for a white bib. I would say it was more Brent sized.

So is this a freak or is it actually a Lesser Canada Goose (I think they are called Taverner's or Hutchinson's or something, sorry should do a bit more research!)?

It was a nice looking bird and I am quite surprised I noticed it!

Thanks in advance for information

Rob

PS Is it a tick?! :-O

Hi Rob, I did (try to?) send you an email via the website: it's indeed a Cackling/Lesser Canada Goose. I've seen it a few times in the same spot and have been told by the 'regulars' that it's a returning bird (every winter at least back to 2010). Based on it's size (tiny compared to the local Canada Geese!), dark plumage and white bib it's probably a minima. Whether it's feral or not is debatable - maybe contact the Hampshire rarities committee? (I'd be curious to find out as well so do let me know if you get an answer!)
Cheers,

N

Did a quick check online: it's considered category E by the HOS
And here's a picture by P Winter: http://goingbirding.co.uk/hants/show_photo.asp?photo_id=4305

N

I saw this chap a few weeks back, and thought the link would be of interest

http://brandonbirding.co.uk/goose

There's been a minima kicking about coastal Hampshire for several years. I caught up with it at Farlington where it was blotting its copybook by hanging out with normal Canadas, but it also gets in with the feral Barnies. I rather think its around year round but perhaps on the IOW in summer. Non-starter. Sorry!

John

Thanks for the info thought it was not going to be fantastic but plastic!