Possible Cackling Goose? (Northern Virginia, Feb. 11, 2023) (1 Viewer)

[howiewu]

Hi,
There were recent confirmed sightings of a Cackling Goose at this location (Fairfax County, Virginia) and I spotted a potential. To be sure, even if it is, it would be the "Richardson's" subspecies, which is, I believe, the largest subspecies of the Cackling Goose and it is pretty comparable to a small Canada Goose, and its bill would not be as "stubby" as the minima (which is quite cute).

The second picture gives a size comparison (the bird of interest is the one on the right).

What do you guys think?
Thanks,
Howard

 

[birdmeister]

It is a smaller bird with a smaller bill, but I don't think it fits what I'm used to calling "Richardson's" Cackler, which should be smaller still and have more diminutive face/bill features.

 

[nartreb]

I'm no expert. I see why you picked this one: it seems short-necked and possibly more stubby-billed than the others. Unfortunately the neck is easily explained by posture and the bill isn't dramatic. And I struggle to convince myself this bird is at all smaller than the others.

 

[Microtus]

Canada Goose.

 

[survivalistd]

Canada Goose.

Sure looks like one to me