>This morning, at the Montlake Fill, I saw two very small, short-necked
>Canada Geese. They were with a group of Canada Geese that included a
>White-fronted and a Snow Goose. Has anyone else seen these birds? If so, I
>would be glad to hear what subspecies you think these geese are, and how you
>could tell.
>
They are probably the Cackling Goose, the small Alaskan subspecies. I have been
keeping track of Montlake for several years, and a few always show up every
Spring, but usually earlier than this. This year they've been largely absent,
until now. They are quite small (about the size of a large Mallard) with a
relatively tiny beak and dark breast and belly, but the clinching 'mark' is
their call, which is a very high-pitched honk that sounds almost like a squeal.
Rob Thorn, Tacoma (rthorn at ups.edu)