Cackling Goose? Bronte Harbour, Ontario, Canada (1 Viewer)

[Eildert]

Hello everyone,
I observed three small Branta geese in a huge flock of Canadas outside of the cozy little harbour of Bronte, Ontario (only two individuals are shown in the photograph). Thought that they might be Cacklers. Dumpy bill, small size, indication of a white collar on one of them. What do you guys think?

 

[Deb Burhinus]

Certainly one of the Cackling ssp

 

[Eildert]

Thanks so much for your feedback.

 

[Microtus]

I agree with Cackling Goose

 

[Eildert]

Thanks!

 

[Lanugoh]

Agree, looks like branta hutchinsii to me

 

[Deb Burhinus]

Having another look at these, I wondered originally if they were Aleutians because of the white necklace. However, I checked and Aleutian would be out of range. They look too large and pale for minima (which also have a white necklace sometimes) so Richardson’s Cackling Goose seems the most likely on head shape/bill length and location combined. (Branta hutchinsii hutchinsii)