Kaylynn VanCamp wrote:

>We saw the goose Barry described. It was close to the same size as the
>Canada Geese and after checking in the "StokesField Guide to Birds", we
>decided that it most resembled the following description from the Guide
>under Snow Goose:

>Dark morph, called "Blue Goose," has a pink bill, white head and upper neck,
>and dark body and wings.

>We were unable to confirm the color of the beak, but the coloration matches.
_______

For 3 consecutive fall/winters, a flock of Canada Geese appeared here on
s. Vancouver Island accompanied by an individual bird that was frequently
reported to our Rare Bird Alert as a "Blue" Snow Goose. Close inspection by
a number of experienced birders invariably revealed this individual to be
an interesting hybrid (probably Canada x Domestic goose) or simply an
albinistic Canada Goose. Regardless, it was one that could easily be
mistaken by someone without a spotting scope, or by a new birder,
as a "Blue" goose. The bird has not been reported here this year and I'm
wondering if perhaps it has ventured south into Washington, where it is
generating excitement similar to that generated here.

Does this bird have the pink legs, pink bill and obvious black "smile" line
of the Snow Goose? Compare the shape/length of the bill, as well.

I'd appreciate hearing the verdict.

Thanks,

Bryan Gates, Victoria bgates at assessment.env.gov.bc.ca
Victoria Rare Bird Alert (604)
592-3381