If you're a birder, you'll know what a life list is. It's basically a list of all the bird species one has observed and positively ID'd in one's lifetime. This blog is a record of my "critter" life list (mostly of birds), including photos I've taken over the years, some of the actual lifer if I was lucky enough to get the shot. Don't expect National Geographic quality stuff here, just the work of an amateur photog who loves to trudge out into nature.

Friday, November 6, 2015

Ross's Goose (Chen rossii)

6/22/02 Prado Regional Park, Chino Hills, San Bernardino County, CA 
6/22/02 Prado Regional Park

LIFE LIST NOTES:

COMMON NAME: Ross's Goose

SPECIES: Chen rossii

FAMILY: Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans)

LIFE LIST DATE: 6/22/2002

LOCATION: One observed in mixed group of domestic Greylag and Swan Geese on lawn. 

From Kaufman Focus Guide: Birds of North America:

BEHAVIOR/HABITAT: A smaller cousin of the snow geese, usually seen with them but almost always outnumbered by them. Ross's are uncommon in the west, rare in the east, but increasing; might show up anywhere in migration or winter. 

IDENTIFYING MARKS: 23"; Smaller than Snow Goose. Much shorter bill lacks black "grinning patch," often has bumpy blue-gray area at base. Head rounder, eye more centrally located in face, for more gentle expression. Snow and Ross's sometimes hybridize, producing intermediates.

VOICE: Higher-pitched and softer than honking of Snow Goose. 
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