I work in the Bloomfield area and have been seeing what appeared to be 3 Snow Geese mixed in with a flock of Canada Geese at various locations in town. Unfortunately, chasing birds isn't part of my job description so I had to wait until the weekend before I could get a closer look at them.
Bloomfield has a number of large corporate businesses that own property with huge grass lawns and man-made ponds where I found a Snow Goose and a Greater White-fronted Goose over the past couple of years. There has also a recent report of a Barnacle Goose in the area but I was unable to relocate it. This morning, I found the 3 juvenile Snow Geese hanging out at a soccer field at the Bloomfield High School.
The white form of the juvenile Snow Goose has a grayish bill and a bit of dingy gray on the upper side. Snow Geese breed on the arctic tundra during the summer and pairs remain together for life. 
Maybe it's time I think about getting some knee protection for those times when I decide to crawl across fields on my knees with a camera. My wife always says she likes surprises so she should be surprised when she finds these pants in the hamper! (Just kidding Joan-I already took care of them :)
click to play
21 comments:
Nice pics and video! Those are handsome geese. I didn't know they were larger than Canada geese.
It must be a sense of humor that keeps those geese together for life. I think maybe you're working on that premise with your mate? Great post!
Hilke-I know that Canada Geese can vary in size dudepending on the subspecies. There are also lesser and greater Snow Goose.If anyone knows whether these Snow Geese are lesser or greater based on the photos-please chime in.
walk2write-We-(my wife and I) like to joke around a lot.I think it helps to give you a break from the serious side of life.
nice shots of the geese Larry. I started wearing camo pants so the stains are harder to find :)
dan
Dan-good idea-I was thinking of getting camo myself.
I've been given feedback that the Greater SG is about the size of a Canada and that they breeed in northeastern Canada compared to central or western canada for the lesser so these are more likely greater versions of Snow Geese
Interesting. I've never seen snow geese close up so thanks! Saw river of them flying south over the Platte in Nebraska once though that had to number over several millions!
Dirty knees! What we won't do for a decent look or photo!
Great photos and a very interesting post..love it!May I post a link to my Dog Blog?
Re mating for life.It's always believed of geese but living with them tells a very different story.. you'd be amazed at what goes on!!
troutbirder-wow! that must have been quite a sight! We don't get many around here.
Chris-I don't even think twice any more about crawling on my knees or stomach if I'm by myself.It doesn't always work though.
von-sure-glad to have you add me to your links.Sounds like you've got some barnyard soap operas going on over there.
How cool! Personally I have specific crawlin' around pants. That way I don't have to bring anything extra (the camera gear's usually more than enough!)
Excellent... It is sometime over here but quite rare!
Snow Geese are rare in our region and I know several photographers who would risk dirty knees to get a picture. (not me) Birders from the Montreal region are posting pictures of large flocks of migrating snow geese this month. I may consider a trip to Quebec next fall to see them.
Haha I laughed out loud at the surprise in the hamper.. Cool birds.. I've seen lots of Snow Geese but never quite that close! Obviously I should have tried crawling for better views.
Thats a great look at the Snow and Canada geese. Too
bad about the pants.
Excellent! I'm surprised the juveniles are traveling together.
That is interesting about the Barnacle Goose. We had one in Ontario last year and just had a report of one this year.
Hee hee..glad you did your own laundry..Glad u saw the snow geese..
Have you gone to see the forktail flycatcher yet?
Lana-So far the dirt stains seem to come out easily enough-grass stains are tougher.
Ruth-interesting-I figured there would be plentry up your way but I guess you're not along their regular route.
praire-it was worth a little dirt on the knee.
Harold-they-(Barnacle)-seem to be coming around our way more often too.
Dawn-I've certainly been aware of the FTF but it is a 90 minute each way drive with gas $3.00 + a gallon now.-Tempting but so far I've passed on it.
Love the pictures. BUT I always love your commentary it makes me laugh! Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Nice pictures. I would keep an extra pair of pants in the car just in case. :)
I thought I commented on this post before but I must have just read it! Good job finding the snow geese. Perhaps I should go looking for them! I just found Hooded mergansers and bufflehead over at Lake Hayward today. You are one dedicated bird photographer and a better man than my husband who woud leave those dirty knees for me!
Cindy-I'm a little behind responding to these comments but thanks.
Mark-I've got spare everything in my truck.
Kathie-Good to hear from you-I'm not far away from Colchester where I live.If you and your husband need help finding new spots in this area-just let me know.
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