Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii), Green Valley, Pima County

This Cackling Goose was photographed by Laurens Halasey on 14 November 2012

The Cackling Goose was found by Anne and Ron Williams in a private neighborhood in Green Valley on 14 November 2012.  Laurens Halsey photographed this individual on 14 and 15 November 2012. A voice recording was also obtained on 14 November 2012. 

Seemly a rare but annual winter visitor to Arizona, although identification challenges make its true status unknown.

Relatively small white cheeked goose with small bill, steep forehead and blocked head shape, and relatively short neck distinguish this bird as a Cackling Goose. Perhaps more importantly, the voice recording indicates Cackling over Canada. Pale breast and head shape of this bird suggest Richardson's Cackling Goose (B.h. hutchinsii).

14 November 2012, photo by Laurens Halasey