As the first reports of newly-split Cackling Geese arrive for the state,  I'd
like to make a suggestion about the naming.  Cackling Goose was a  poorly
chosen name not only for the reason pointed out by Walter Ellison, but  also
because it refers to previously established subspecies (Branta hutchinsii
minima).  To the best of our knowledge, only the nominate "Richardson's  Goose" has
occurred in MD.  Unless the bird does not appear to be typical  Richardson's
Goose, I suggest we continue using the name Richardson's Goose to  distinguish
records from possibly occurring minima (origin debatable).

I have been paying attention to Richardson's Geese for a few years now
thanks to Jim "they're going to split that" Stasz.  To my eye, all have  appeared
to be clear Richardson's Geese except the Centennial Lake bird this  spring.
Just recently, a Cackling Goose appeared in Central NY that is  nearly
identical to the Centennial Lake bird.

Photos seen at: _http://www.fickity.net/cack.html_
(http://www.fickity.net/cack.html)

The subspecies is being debated on the NYS listserv and I certainly  don't
claim to have an answer.  I left the Centennial bird as unknown  subspecies.
The bird could possibly be a dark hutchinsii or a pale minima  or who knows.

So next time you see a Cackling Goose, pay careful attention to the breast
color (this is of course after head and bill shape are used in identification
as  Cackling Goose).  If the bird appears darker than normal Canadas, it is
worth mentioning in the report.


Matt Hafner
Bel Air, MD