So, why don't Tundra Swans and Ross's Geese get stained on the same
wintering grounds?

Gene Hunn.

On Tue, 28 Feb 1995, Joe Morlan wrote:

> On Tue, 28 Feb 1995, Dennis Paulson wrote:
>
> > Emperor Geese can also have stained heads.
>
> One data point. I saw the Emperor Goose in the town of Bodega,
> California on Jan 16 when it had a white head and neck with some dusky
> mottling on the face. This last Sunday, February 26, I took a class up
> to view the bird and was astonished that its entire head and neck were
> stained a deep rusty-orange. This bird has been living in a vernal pool
> since it's original discovery on Dec 27.
>
> Clearly the staining may be acquired locally on the wintering grounds.
>
> ----------
> Joe Morlan
> Albany, CA
> jmorlan at slip.net
>
>
>