Three days ago, I was more than delighted to photograph a Ross’s Goose at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in between photographing a young Sandhill Crane.
Ross’s Goose adult looking for food – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/5000, ISO 1250, -0.3 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 330mm, natural light
Technically, these Ross’s Geese aren’t lifers for me. I’ve seen them before, and I’ve even photographed them. But this is the first time I’ve been able to pick them out from flocks of Snow Geese and show individual Ross’s Geese on their own.
There were several smaller Ross’s Geese mixed in with the flock of larger Snow Geese, along with the uncommon immature Sandhill Crane that day.
Ross’s Goose in a corn field – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/5000, ISO 1250, -0.3 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 330mm, natural light
I simply could not resist photographing the Ross’s Geese when they came in close enough—and why would I?
Ross’s Geese are like mini versions of Snow Geese—similar striking looks, just in a more compact package.
Resting white morph Ross’s Goose at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/6400, ISO 1250, -0.7 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
I was super excited when these Ross’s Geese moved away from the large flock so I could photograph them by themselves. When the Snow Goose flocks are larger, it can be really tough to do that—let alone pick the Ross’s Geese out from the constantly moving birds.
White morph Ross’s Goose in corn stubble – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/8000, ISO 1250, -1.0 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 360mm, natural light
I’m truly hoping that before the Ross’s and Snow Geese head out on their spring migration to their breeding grounds, I’ll have a few more opportunities with the Ross’s Geese.
Fingers crossed!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Ross’s Geese photos plus facts and information about this species.
I can’t remember if I’ve seen pics of Ross’s Geese before but what a beautiful bird. It’s easy to see how difficult it would be to find this guy in a flock of snow geese. Cool shots. Thanks Mia.
One thing I noticed too is their beeks are short. Do they look for food in water?
Patty, Ross’s Geese mostly graze in terrestrial grasses, sedges, small grains, and other vegetation. They might eat some aquatic vegetation but along shorelines.