Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii), Scottsdale, Maricopa County

These five Cackling Geese were seen by Pierre Deviche, James Smith and Eyal Shochat on 2 Febuary 2008 at the McCormick Ranch Ponds in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Sizeable flocks of Canada Geese (of both the moffitii and parvipes subspecies) often loaf in these ponds in the middle of day, feeding in nearby fields in the morning and evening.  There have been several reports of Cackling Geese in these flocks this winter but these are the first photos we have received. 

The status of Cackling Goose, which was recently split from Canada Goose, is poorly known in Arizona and there are only a handful of accepted records.  Cackling Goose is an ABC review species..  The ABC requests that reports of these species be accompanied by full details, including when possible, a photo, tape recording, video, or field sketch.  Please send documentation to the Arizona Bird Committee via the online form or click here for further instructions and information about ABC.  Submission of documentation to AZFO does not constitute submission to the ABC.

A group of four Cackling Geese that stayed together and separate from the Canadas, probably indicating they are a family group.  They are not a perfect fit for any of the know subspecies and any comments on the subspecific identity of these individuals would be welcomed. 

The same group of four Cackling Geese as in the above picture.  In the above picture the birds are relaxed, here they are in alert posture.  These two photos illustrate how dramatically the shape of the head and neck can change based on the birds posture. 
 

2 February 2008 photos by Pierre Deviche