I think these are much more likely to be greater white-fronted geese.
http://www.birdweb.org/birdweb/bird/greater_white-fronted_goose

I have seen this trio at Green Lake since at least November. Glad to
hear of your sighting today, because I missed them myself while
dodging the hordes of humanity. Although I usually see the three alone
together, otherwise I always see them near mallards. Until two weeks
ago they were pretty much stapled to the ground just south of Evans
Pool. Since the snow I have found them on the Aurora Ave side of the
lake and further north.

Patti Loesche


On Feb 6, 2012, at 6:32 PM, James M Campanelli wrote:

> Hi All,
> I just got back from walking around Greenlake looking for the
> hundreds of ruddy ducks I was told about ??? and surprise, saw not
> one . I did see 3 beautiful little geese in with the mallards and
> when a mallard swam into the view with them I realized it was the
> same size . this had to be a lesser WFG as they (3 of them) looked
> just like juv. WFG just much smaller . Like a mallard with a slender
> neck and goose head. For a moment I thought I was looking at a
> pintail but then I corrected. Does anyone have any information on
> when they showed up , if they are releases or rare visitor? All I
> can find on them suggests they don't belong here and are rare even
> in their own range.
> ...and what's up with the Eurasian widgeons there's always just 1
> when I see them and in a huge flock of Americans?? though I am
> pretty sure this one had a matching mate.
>
> Needless to say even if the LWFG are released birds the day was
> worth the walk.
>
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