Steve,

On October 28, 2004, I saw a flock of 30 Cackling Geese at Crockett
Lake. There were no Canada Geese accompanying these Cacklers, although
there were lots of other waterfowl on the lake.

I believe these geese were the "minima" subspecies, which ought to
migrate through the area in good numbers. At least, they do migrate
through Skagit County in good numbers. In early November 2003, I
observed a flock of at least 300 Cackling Geese flying overhead near
Sedro Woolley. The "minima" subspecies ought to be a regular migrant
through Island and Skagit Counties in spring as well as fall, but I
don't have any spring records that I can recall offhand.

I hope this helps.

Wayne C. Weber
Delta, BC
contopus at telus.net



----- Original Message -----
From: Steve Ellis <sellis at coup.wednet.edu>
To: Tweeters <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Friday, February 25, 2005 10:11 AM
Subject: [Tweeters] Cackling Geese/ Whidbey


> Does anyone have sight records of Cackling Canada Goose on Whidbey
Island?
> We are in the process of gathering information for an update of our
> checklist. Within our parameters (Common, Uncommon, Occasional,
Rare,
> Accidental) we are inclined to list the new species as Occasional in
fall
> and winter. Any inut by off-island birders would be helpful!
> Steve Ellis
> Coupeville, Wa.
> sellis at coup.wednet.edu