Hello to everyone and anyone this may concern,

My mother and I(primarily me,Patrick)publicly and humbly apologize for misidentifying and hastily reporting the 2 Bowerman Basin "geese" on the 2nd of November and most recently as yesterday as Bean Geese,as the overwhelmingly and strongly appear to be most definitely Pink-footed Geese. We thank everyone and anyone who helped with the added discussion on this matter from the listservers as well as abroad,including a BC birder that first mentioned the true possibility of the birds being Pink-footed Geese yesterday before our previous posting. We have obtained much additional information regarding both species of geese and strongly feel the identity of the Bowerman Basin "geese" to be Pink-footed Geese and their true origin will probably remain unknown,even though their overall behavior is most shy,cautious and wary. Perhaps this may be due to hunting season,or perhaps they may be of wild origin at some point as a few people mentioned. It was the fact that we looked much closer at our photographs,despite the poor lighting conditions that many experienced during most observations. The well noted grayish to blue-gray mantle and back feathers were too persuasive in not eliminating Pink-footed Geese along with pink feet seen in further photos taken of both birds yesterday(which appeared slightly orange at some angles),but the listed report and call were Bean Geese and we again apologize for any inconvenience this has caused for any birders that actually saw both birds or may be still attempting to visit Bowerman Basin in search of the reported Bean Geese. It was a terrible mistake and one that was done quickly and knowingly,but it is felt that the birding community must be aware of the false call on this matter. Perhaps as the birds remain further details will be obtained of the birds origins,or maybe not and that additional people may still decide to see the birds,despite their questionable origin regarding the fact that they are still interesting birds to see in the wild. Again, many thanks are given to those that added to the recent discussion regarding the "goose"matter at Bowerman Basin and those that private and publicly stated their opinions,ideas,etc along with links given to us from websites about Pink-footed Geese.

Sincere apologies,

Patrick Sullivan
godwit at worldnet.att.net
Tacoma,WA