This week, while photographing birds at my neighborhood pond, I came upon an uncommon Canada Goose with a white forehead and an oddly shaped cheek patch.
Canada Goose variant with a white forehead – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I have seen Canada Geese variants with white foreheads on this same pond before but I wasn’t able to get quality images of those birds because they were in the middle of a flock. I was able to isolate this individual goose three days ago. I was so excited that I danced next to my tripod and camera.
Calling Canada Goose variant with a white forehead – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I would say this Canada Goose has a plumage variation or aberrant plumage rather than having leucism. Canada Geese are known to have variant plumage where they have white foreheads, white necks or all dark cheeks.
Other than having a white forehead or brow and cheek patches that were shaped slightly different this goose was mostly normal in appearance.
Aberrant Canada Goose with a normal Canada goose – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I was glad that I was able to photograph this goose with variant plumage swimming with a normal Canada Goose for visual comparison that afternoon.
When I am in the field photographing birds I often look for the “odd duck” and in this case it was the odd goose that stood out for me. Paying attention pays off.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Canada Geese photos plus facts and information about this species.
It is so very beautiful and I just imagined you doing your happy dance!
Smiling at your play on words. Definitely an odd duck/goose that stands out from the crowd.