Subject: Greater White-fronted Geese
Date: Oct 18 19:58:50 1999
From: Eugene Kridler - ekridler at olympus.net


Martin:
You might think about the Tule Goose (Anser albifrons gambelli). It is a
little larger, darker than White-fronted Goose (Anser alibifrons
fontalis). It occurs in much smaller flocks, sometimes 5-10 individuals.
Frank Bellrose in his book Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America pp.
110-111 gives a good run down of the Tule. If you don't have a copy,
maybe a university library might have one.

When I was the refuge biologist from l956-60 at the Sacramento National
Wildlife Refuge Complex in California, I found them common there, but
not in big numbers. Very small flocks, rather quiet when compared to
large flocks of White-fronts. Usually flew low. Other waterfowl
biologists reported them from there and the Sacramento Valley during
fall and winter months, also

We've had 7-8 Tules here at Washington Harbor near Sequim for a couple
of weeks late last month and early this month.
Been gone to Virginia so I don't know if they are still around now or
not.

Gene Kridler
Sequim