An unusual goose (looked like a Canada Goose x ? hybrid) was hanging 
out at Black Hill (in the cove near the boat ramp/boat parking lot) 
this morning around 11:30 AM -- unfortunately I didn't have my camera 
with me, and I wasn't able to relocate the bird later in the day. I've 
been doing a little research, and I've found a couple of photos of 
known hybrids that somewhat resemble my mystery goose.

Below the neck, the bird looked similar to a normal Canada goose, 
except for a patch of white on the side right behind the breast (much 
like this photo: http://www.albertandbrady.com/IMG_4075.htm ), and a 
slightly darker brown breast. Another similar photo to the 
below-the-neck parts: http://www.painetworks.com/photos/ha/ha0446.JPG

The entire upperside of the neck had a thick black stripe running from 
the eyes (extending just past the eyes) down to the mantle/back 
(similar to the look of a Western grebe) -- the sides and underside of 
the neck were almost entirely white, except for a blackish patch 
mottled with white at the throat. The pattern looked somewhat similar 
to a Canada x Greylag featured at 
http://www.digiscoping.fi/vuosi2004/wk14-2004/index.html -- the bill, 
however, matched that of a normal Canada, as did the bird's voice.

A normal Canada (who appeared a little smaller than the hybrid, though 
this could have been a trick of the odd plumage) was swimming behind 
the hybrid as if they were paired together. After both vocalized for a 
few minutes in response to each other and/or nearby pairs, they took 
off and flew toward the open part of the lake, in the direction of the 
visitor's center.

Just had to describe this goose -- I've never seen such a striking 
hybrid before. Please let me know if anyone spots him/her again -- 
thanks!

Jessica Maggio
Damascus, MD