Pat,

The reddish tint in the head is probably from rust deposits picked up from the water, perhaps from its summer habitat. I've often seen swans with this rusty tint on the head.

Barry Ulman
Bellingham, WA.


On Feb 23, 2011, at 9:44 PM, Patricia Quyle Grainger wrote:

> Monday, Dave and I went to LaConner for 3 days, and visited Fir Island. The Snow Geese were fantastic to see! Among those Dave photographed was this 'red-headed' one. Any ideas why it has this look?