Hi all,

FWIW, I watched the Barnacle Goose for about 90 minutes this afternoon and did NOT see either of the putative hybrids. Maybe I just wasn't paying attention, but if they weren't there, I wonder what it says about them all being a family unit.

I noticed that the bird's right eye is a bit "squinty". It tended to hold it somewhat shut, though more so while it was preening or just standing around. It looked to be fully opened while it was feeding. I I don't think this says anything about the origin of this bird one way or the other (which most likely will never be known, particularly if it actually is a wild bird). Just pointing it out.

John Puschock
Wedgwood, Seattle
g_g_allin at hotmail.com
http://www.zbirdtours.com