Birding/Strange "Goosse"?

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Expert: Julia Booth - 6/15/2008


Question

strange goose
We live in Oshkosh, WI and we have had nearly ten inches of rain in a week with rather sever flooding. Last night while driving past a gold course, we saw two "Goose-like" birds in the standing water. I have several images of the birds which I have attached. If you can, please zoom in on the images. We are guessing they are escapees from a zoo or farm. I have more images if you want.
Have a good day.

Answer
It's really hard to say because of the detail, but it looks like you are correct. It is either a domestic breed or some hybrid involving a Canadian Goose at some point. The markings are similar and appear to be watered down through generations of breeding.

Here in So Cal we have peculiar looking Mallard hybrids that keep people guessing too.

Sorry I couldn't help more,


Julia

Julia Booth

Expertise

I can answer questions about bird identification (by sight or sound), behavior, distribution, population, conservation, mating, nesting, fledging and feeding. I do have some practical knowledge about foreign species, but identification skills are limited in that arena. Bear in mind that as much as I know, it's possible that at least some of you will ask a question that I am unable to answer. At which point I would direct you to wherever or whomever I thought could provide you with that information.

Experience

I have 15 years birding experience in Southern California.

Organizations
Audubon Society

Education/Credentials
My education is in art and photography -but I have a substantial portfolio of nature related work.

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