1. Is this a Ross's Goose? I caught this in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge (just across the Savannah River from Savannah, GA), foraging with a flock of White Ibises. Not much bigger than them, but a good bit bulkier.
2. What is the growth at the base of the upper mandible?
3. This is a long way off its migratory path. If this is a Ross's Goose, do they tend to wander? like about 1000 miles off course?
Posted by Jim DeWitt on November 21, 2013 at 3:31 PM
The bill is pretty big for a Ross's; maybe a Snow Goose that doesn't have the typical rusty stain? The fungal(?) growth masks the line where the bill meets the face, a useful ID feature for Snow v. Ross's.
The fungus looks like aspergilliosis. If I'm right, and if the bird's bill looks like that, its lungs must be clogged with the stuff. One sick bird.
Posted by Richard Ditch on November 21, 2013 at 6:53 PM
As Jim points out the bill seems too big for Ross and better for Snow Goose.
Posted by Ross Warner on November 23, 2013 at 4:53 PM
Certainly a possibility. The grin mask that would be a for sure identifier for a Snow Goose is hidden by the fungal growth, but the head shape, smaller stature and short neck argue in that direction. Either way, it is a rarity of note in this location. Speaking of the location mystery, is it possible the goose could have been blown off course by the bad recent storms in its normal migratory path?
Discussion
5 replies2. What is the growth at the base of the upper mandible?
3. This is a long way off its migratory path. If this is a Ross's Goose, do they tend to wander? like about 1000 miles off course?
The fungus looks like aspergilliosis. If I'm right, and if the bird's bill looks like that, its lungs must be clogged with the stuff. One sick bird.