Hi all upon leaving work yesterday afternoon at about 4:00 pm I
went to the Rt 309 Pond closest to 213 near Centreville when arriving
saw lot of Snow Geese on the back bank and field behind also many Canada
Geese there . I was thinking Ross"s Goose as this was the largest
flock seen so far this season in these parts about 1,000 snows at least
that many Canadas as well . Did not do an actual count as my misson was
sorting thru the Birds for werid birds as well as limted time due to
setting sun. After at least 45 minutes and the flock of snows moving
closer to Rolling Bridge Rd twice . I moved to Rolling Bridge Rd to get
a better vantage point. Most of the Canadas left going to roost or river
somewhere . In the new postion scoped the birds soon found a smalller
bird actively feeding on the edge of the flock. I kept a close watch on
this bird as it raised it head to reveal its short stuby bill, BINGO 1
white phase Ross"s Goose. New year new bird I was pleased. Then I
noticed 1 Richardsons Cackling Goose feeding with the snows. Than not to
be out done 2 smaller looking white geese came into view . Too big for
pure Ross"s too small for Snows , head and neck structure look like
Ross"s, Bill looked in between Ross and snow with a bit of a grin patch .
I think they were hybrid Ross"s and Snow Geese. when I arrived at home
looked in the big Sibley drawing of the hybrid Ross and snow bill looked
very much like those birds
Happy weekend Birding
Danny Poet
Queenstown Md
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