Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2004 07:51:42 -0500 Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: Robert Ringler Subject: Re: Rare Goose! MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Gema, Here are a few tips for separating White-fronted Geese from the similar Graylag which is the common barnyard type. Compare the size of the bird with the other geese around it. White-fronts average slightly smaller than the Canada Geese we see while the Graylag is larger than the Canadas with a heavier body and thicker neck. White-fronts have a more slender, graceful profile. Graylags tend to be darker around the head but are extremely variable in plumage and can show a white front similar to the White-fronted. White-fronts almost always travel with flocks of Canada Geese. Graylags frequently stay on the pond or lake regardless of what the local Canadas do, but sometimes travel with them. I hope this will be helpful. By the way, for the record, what was the date of your observation? Thank you for reporting. Bob Ringler ----- Original Message ----- From: Gema Crystal To: Sent: Monday, January 05, 2004 6:45 PM Subject: [MDOSPREY] Rare Goose! > Greater White-fronted Goose first spotted in Whetstone Lake in > Montgomery Village around 4:20 P.M. I went back the next day to > photograph it. (Not very good ones mind you.)It was definatley NOT a > stray Barnyard Goose. Plus, I believe it was a Greenland adult of the > species. It's bill was very orange and when it got out of the water, > it's belly stripes were very distinct. This is the first time I get to > post anything on MDOsprey and the first time I've seen anything worth > telling about. I'm sooooooooo excited. > OH! There was also a female Ruddy Duck, a Mute Swan, two American Coots, > and two birds I couldn't identify. They looked to me, the male one > anyway, like Scoters.... > > ====================================================================== > = > 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 ======================================================================= =========================================================================