Tundra Swans and Mystery Birds

[John Rawinski]

Hi all:

Birds are pouring into the Monte Vista Refuge, including some unusual ones. 

The surprise yesterday was 3 adult Tundra Swans on the Monte Vista Refuge auto tour loop on the south end pond. We don't have many records for this species at all, especially in winter (Rio Grande County). The cranes have swelled to about 4,000 birds at the Refuge with many more scattered in other locations across the Valley. 

Enclosed is a photo of two "geese" you should take a gander at! They are strange and I did not find a solid fit in my Sibley. Dark spotting on the white neck, grin patch, large relative size, dark body  with light undersides. Wished we could see leg color. In the flock are Canada and Cackling Geese for size comparisons. They were shot a long range so excuse the lack of detail. 

Let me know what you think. 

And by the way, I have not yet seen the Hybrid Canada X Greylag that has been here the last 4 years. It usually shows up about now. 

Cheers

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, CO

 

[John Rawinski]

Thanks to all who took a look at these two birds and offered some suggestions. Here is what was suggested:

Hybrid Snow Goose X Cackling Goose: At least three persons voted for this

Blue Goose coming into Adult Plumage: One person

Intermediate Bird: Sibley (2000) shows some intermediate birds on the bottom of the page. One person. 

Thanks all!