It has a growth (tumor?) on its forehead which distorts the true shape of the bird's head profile, slightly complicating its subspecific identity. Otherwise, this is a pretty good example of a Richardson's Cackling Goose, though a bit on the darker-breasted side. If anyone has any comments on the bird's subspecific identity, please feel free to comment.
Note the frosty gray-brown feather bases on the upperparts, which set off the darker subterminal lines. Seeminglingly blocky head despite the growth. Short, stubby bill. Wide white cheek patch.
Just as easily picked-out by upperpart color as by size.
Great site. I would like to provide a link from my site to yours. If that is a problem, let me know.
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog you have here. I too am a shore bird fan, my favorite ! We saw a cackler also 3 weeks ago scouting for the CMC here in NJ.
ReplyDeleteTony perrotta