What's Up with That-Goose Edition

[Doug Ward]

Several of us conducted a DFO field trip yesterday (Sat., 31 Jan’26) along the South Platte River near the Overland Golf Course (Denver Co.) to study waterfowl at close range.  While we had good looks at many of the beautiful regulars on this stretch, including the now famous drake BARROW’S GOLDENEYE, had a very weird hybrid goose that had us stumped, so asking COBirders to chuck in their thoughts (photos below and attached):

 

 

 

Initial thoughts were Greater White-fronted X Cackling Goose based on its general coloration, including its superficial “white-front”, but also its bright yellow-orange legs as can be seen in the second photo.  After further examination of Bonnie’s (Prado) great photos, now thinking this guy has too much white on its face, so now thinking it may be a Snow X Cackling back cross with a full Cackling.  Again, interested in what the group thinks – maybe we start a New York Times daily puzzle…GooseConnections!

 

Bonnie was our “hybrid whisperer” yesterday as she also found this likely Snow X Cackling hybrid in the horde as well:

 

So again, interested in your opinions so let the group know, these guys are fun.  If interested in our morning, here is a link to the trip report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/470832

 

Good Goosing,

Doug

Currently Denver

[Patrick O'Driscoll]

I'm no goose expert, but I see a lot of them in Denver City Park through the winter.

What interests me most about this one are the notable striations up and down its neck plumage.

That characteristic reminds me most of Greater White-fronted Goose and also of some domestic geese with Graylag and/or Swan Goose parentage.

I'd wager one or the other of these might be in this bird's genetic makeup.

Patrick O'Driscoll

Denver

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