Ross's Goose & a hybrid? - Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada (1 Viewer)

[osbirder]

I saw 2 white geese on Nov 7, 10, 15 and 18, 2016 on Georgian Bay in Ontario, which I thought were Snow Geese until I saw the closer-up photos I got of them on Nov 18. Neither looks right for a Snow Goose. The smaller one might be a Ross's Goose but I'm not sure, and the larger one possibly a hybrid (maybe with a domestic goose since the bill appears all orange).

I have some photos, some of which show the size compared to Greater White-fronted Geese, Canada Geese and Mallards.

I was wondering if anyone knew for sure what they are.

 

[Nutcracker]

From the first pic - I'm thinking the left bird is a Ross's, perhaps a 1st-winter from the dull bill colour (though the whiteness of the plumage doesn't support that well!), while the right bird looks a bit bigger, and has a fine black 'grin' line, so maybe a Ross's x Snow hybrid?

Don't think there's any domesticated goose influence here, that would result in a much larger hybrid, easily Canada Goose-sized.

 

[osbirder]

Thank you very much. I was hoping the smaller bird was a Ross's Goose. It was less white than the other goose which would suggest a 1st winter bird like you said.

 

[Andy Hurley]

I agree with Ross's. AFAIK, white juvenile Ross's are much whiter than juvenile Snow. In this case the small bill does look dark which would confirm it's age as juvenile.

 

[rkj]

Both Ross's, a juvenile and an adult.