Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 11:43:21 -0500 Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: Jed Kusterer Subject: Re: Gr. White-fronted Goose Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-Disposition: inline Jim and all interested, I looked through a few field guides last night and found that Sibley (p. 89) has the best illustration of the domestic Graylag-type goose with a plumage very similair to that of the smaller and darker Greater White-fronted Goose. Sibley has good notes on distinguishing it from GWFG. Nat. Geo. is not as good on this point (but remains my favorite guide!). I would recommend looking at Sibley's illustration and notes and also reading Kevin McGowan's notes on the following web page to prepare for/review possible GWFG sightings. Look especially at the 1st bird in the 6th photograph (the additional photos take some time to load). It probably has more cousins visiting MD than the occasional GWFG. http://birds.cornell.edu/crows/greater.htm I 2nd Jim's request for more information on these birds in MD. Are they seen often? Are reports of GWFG scrutinized by the state's rare bird committee for possible confusion with domestic geese? Any comments welcome. Here are a few fieldmarks to look for in possible GWFG: 1)noticeably smaller than the typical large Canada Geese seen in MD. 2) brown feathers around head and neck uniformly dark. 3)Usually a fine delicate-appearing bill and head shape (like a Brant or Canada Goose, rather than the bulky bill-base common in domestic geese). Any others? Jed Marc Kusterer Washington DC >>> jdbrighton3@HOTMAIL.COM 01/14/03 04:31PM >>> The goose that I saw in Kent Co. on Saturday which I thought was a Gr. White-fronted Goose did not seem to be as small as the goose pictured by the Cayuga Bird Club/Cornell Univ. wesite that Jed Kusterer posted. The bird was smaller than the other Canadas in the flock but only by a couple inches, and since it was hanging out with another hybrid puts my bird as suspect. I would be interested if anyone else saw the bird and has any comments. It seems I may have made a mistake. Jim Brighton jdbrighton3@hotmail.com Trappe,Md _________________________________________________________________ Add photos to your e-mail with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= =========================================================================