Aleutian Cackler Hunt in California

I was thinking Hutchinsons(SP?) does it have to have the white collar for Aleutian? I'm no expert, just discussing and following to learn more.

Gene
 
Given that I have all 3 subspecies mentioned, I would guess a small parvipes. Looks too large for a hutch, and too light for minima or luecoparia. Of course, I would not rule out an escapee.

Clint
 
I am not trying to start a fight or down play the uniqueness of the bird, but I can tell you with absolutely no reservation that it isn't not a cackling cackling goose or an Aleutian cackling Canada and probably not even a parvipes. I have managed Pacific Flyway geese for almost 20 years. Most likely it is a Hutchsonii, I showed the picture to a research biologist with 25 years of field experience beyond his Ph.D. research on cacklers in Alaska and he also believes it to be a Hutchsonii. Nevertheless, its a unique bird for where you shot it.
 
I am not trying to start a fight or down play the uniqueness of the bird, but I can tell you with absolutely no reservation that it isn't not a cackling cackling goose or an Aleutian cackling Canada and probably not even a parvipes. I have managed Pacific Flyway geese for almost 20 years. Most likely it is a Hutchsonii, I showed the picture to a research biologist with 25 years of field experience beyond his Ph.D. research on cacklers in Alaska and he also believes it to be a Hutchsonii. Nevertheless, its a unique bird for where you shot it.


Brad, I think it is clear that you were only clarifing the ID. I think it is common, but not right, for an internet discussion to tend to put equal weight on everyones' opinions (which devalues the opinions of experts such as yourself). It is right to come back with an expert opinion in this case and I appreciate it and I'm glad to have you here.

T
 
Thanks Tod. It is also difficult to avoid sounding a little too smug. But this was one topic I thought I could offer an informed opinion. I am on travel and will post a few pictures later.
 
Brad,
I always expect good input when I see you listed on a thread. And by the way, thanks for all the work you and your contemporaries do for our wildlife.
 
You guys are beginning to act like I have a sensitive personality. LOL, I can take it.

Lets see if a photo from yesterday gives you a hint on why I am not posting a lot.

7255d4f5.jpg

 
THis thread was just brought to my attention. I agree with Tod on this one!!!

I don't know why my name was injected into this post and into other subjects like this. Probably one of the reasons why I quite forums!!

My private comment regarding the "bird in question" was simply some subspecies of "cackling type" Canada. I can't speak for the two Long Island biologists, but I can for myself.......having never seen an Aleutian Island Canada Goose or having one in my hand, I made no comments regarding the sub-species ID to the goose in question (honestly. I am not that interested)!! My only opinion is this; experience has taught me that decisions like this should be left to the biologists and experts with experience and knowledge of this species; obviously West Coast Biologists! They are the experts, they have the regional experience with the species, I defer to them for their "expert" species ID and opinions.


Keith Mueller
 
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