This morning I came across what I believe is a Taverner's Cackling Goose on
the lawn at Fort Warden, Port Townsend, with 81 larger Canada Geese. I have
no knowing prior experience with this form and seek confirmation.

Pics are here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S100112264

The bird stood out as obviously smaller, seemingly half the mass, of the
other geese. Yet it was clearly not minima or Aleutian, the two Cackling
forms I'm most familiar with. It was more Richardson's-like in structure,
yet even longer-billed. The breast was quite pale and contributed to a
silvery vibe to the bird.

On-line resources suggested Taverner's, which makes sense. However, there
was much discussion of the challenge of separating from Lesser Canada Goose
(parvipes). I have no experience with that form either.

thoughts?

thanks,

--
Steve Hampton
Port Townsend, WA (qatáy)