Subject: [Tweeters] Cackling geese with white neck-ring...
Date: Nov 1 18:08:19 2008
From: Eugene and Nancy Hunn - enhunn323 at comcast.net


Gary,



I don't claim to have the latest word on the identification of Aleutian
Cackling Geese but in my experience a fair proportion of minima Cacklers
show white neck rings of one sort or another. I understand that the neck
ring is not definitive of Aleutian geese, that there are also subtle
differences in head and/or bill shape, and unless one found an entire flock
together it is probably best to just count them as "Cacklers," though some
good sharp photos might help resolve the issue in the future.



Gene Hunn

enhunn323 at comcast.net



From: tweeters-bounces at mailman2.u.washington.edu
[mailto:tweeters-bounces at mailman2.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Gary Smith
Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 4:31 PM
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Subject: [Tweeters] Cackling geese with white neck-ring...



Tweeters,



Today in the field in South King County just west of Trager Road on the
south side of 200th I observed a flock of about 200 geese, mostly Cackling,
with a few Commons. At least two of the smaller, dark-breasted geese had
very noticeable white neck-rings. Has anyone determined if they are any
Aleutians in this year's visiting flocks down there?



Thanks,



Gary T. Smith

Alki Point, Seattle

g <mailto:g%1F_smith1 at comcast.net> -_smith1 at comcast.net