Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii), Continental Country Club Golf Course, Coconino County

This Cackling Goose was found by Roger Sleeper on 3 December 2016 and photographed by Anne Pellegrini on 15 January 2017

It is believed that this is the same individual first located by Roger Sleeper at the nearby Walnut Canyon Ponds on December 3, 2016.

Cackling Goose is a rare winter visitor to Arizona.

Cackling Geese are separated from Canada Geese by smaller size, shorter neck, and proportionately shorter bill with a steeper forehead. The very small size and short neck, along with the bold light edgings to the coverts and dark breast indicate the minima subspecies. 

15 January 2017, photo by Anne Pellegrini

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