Nice photos, Derek. If this pale-bellied brant is an "Atlantic Brant", could this oddball large Canada Goose be an "Atlantic Canada Goose"? I suspect there are no previous records. There is certainly something odd about this bird, and it doesn't seem to be interested in hanging out with the local geese. Not sure how one would prove it - maybe a DNA test. If anyone sees it shed a feather or even defecate, maybe a sample could be obtained. Might also be worth examining this large goose for signs of prior captivity.
Nick Komar
Fort Collins CO
From: "Derek Hill" <derekthehill@hotmail.com>
To: cobirds@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sunday, October 27, 2013 4:01:57 PM
Subject: [cobirds] Brant photos
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To: cobirds@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sunday, October 27, 2013 4:01:57 PM
Subject: [cobirds] Brant photos
COBirds,
Uploaded some photos of the pale-bellied Brant here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26102738@N07/
Bird was present when I arrived at 1:00pm today (Sunday). Was still present when I left at 1:45pm. Initially it was grazing right along the gravel path on the southwest side of Houts Reservoir, seemingly ignoring a few folks strolling within 15 feet of it. After a few minutes it decided to go swim and preen with his single Canada Goose buddy who he/she followed quite closely on the water. On land it was clear to see the sharply demarcated breast and pale belly. Quite different looking from the dark high contrast black/white Brants I've seen in Oregon/Washington. Bird seemed quite healthy, although never saw it fly. There was also a small group of distant geese standing on the south shore of adjacent Equalizer Lake, so that could be another place to check as that is the original observation spot I take it. From I-25, take Hwy 34 west a short way to Boyd Lake Road. Boyd Lake Rd north to the unmarked dirt road (Medford Dr on google maps) paralleling the utility lines, east a few hundred feet to the dead end at the lake shore. Brant was just a few yards to the left (north). Thanks to Scott Baron for finding and Nick Komar for helping to get the word out. Beautiful bird!
Good birding,
Derek Hill
Fort Collins
Bird was present when I arrived at 1:00pm today (Sunday). Was still present when I left at 1:45pm. Initially it was grazing right along the gravel path on the southwest side of Houts Reservoir, seemingly ignoring a few folks strolling within 15 feet of it. After a few minutes it decided to go swim and preen with his single Canada Goose buddy who he/she followed quite closely on the water. On land it was clear to see the sharply demarcated breast and pale belly. Quite different looking from the dark high contrast black/white Brants I've seen in Oregon/Washington. Bird seemed quite healthy, although never saw it fly. There was also a small group of distant geese standing on the south shore of adjacent Equalizer Lake, so that could be another place to check as that is the original observation spot I take it. From I-25, take Hwy 34 west a short way to Boyd Lake Road. Boyd Lake Rd north to the unmarked dirt road (Medford Dr on google maps) paralleling the utility lines, east a few hundred feet to the dead end at the lake shore. Brant was just a few yards to the left (north). Thanks to Scott Baron for finding and Nick Komar for helping to get the word out. Beautiful bird!
Derek Hill
Fort Collins
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