Unusual Goose Spotted at Crystal Lake by Liane Hartnett
Most people ignore the numerous Canada Geese that are often found on Crystal Lake, but in January many birders were scanning the water to see an unusual goose that was flocking with the Canada Geese. The goose, called a Barnacle Goose, is native to Europe and usually spends winters in Ireland or the UK. In the summers, they migrate to Iceland, Greenland or northern Russia to breed.
The Barnacle Goose is smaller than Canada Geese, but is related, both belonging to the genus Branta. It has a white face, shorter bill than Canada Geese and an attractive black and white pattern on its body. The particular goose that has been frequenting Crystal Lake was also seen on Bullough’s Pond and Newton Cemetery, always among a flock of Canada Geese. Almost every day, sightings are posted on eBird, a website for reporting birds that might be of interest to other birders. The goose was first noticed by Madeleine Hall-Arber, a beginning birder, who notified Leah Bird, an experienced birder who posted on eBird. Since then, many birders have come to Newton to see a “life bird”, which is a bird that they have not seen before.
For birds like the Barnacle Goose, which is not native to North America, the question is whether the goose escaped from a zoo or private farm or whether it was blown here by a storm, both of which are possibilities.
The goose seems to have left Newton and has been spotted in other locations, but there’s always the possibility it may return. Look for a flock of Canada Geese, and search for the one that looks a bit smaller and different.
The Barnacle Goose is smaller than Canada Geese, but is related, both belonging to the genus Branta. It has a white face, shorter bill than Canada Geese and an attractive black and white pattern on its body. The particular goose that has been frequenting Crystal Lake was also seen on Bullough’s Pond and Newton Cemetery, always among a flock of Canada Geese. Almost every day, sightings are posted on eBird, a website for reporting birds that might be of interest to other birders. The goose was first noticed by Madeleine Hall-Arber, a beginning birder, who notified Leah Bird, an experienced birder who posted on eBird. Since then, many birders have come to Newton to see a “life bird”, which is a bird that they have not seen before.
For birds like the Barnacle Goose, which is not native to North America, the question is whether the goose escaped from a zoo or private farm or whether it was blown here by a storm, both of which are possibilities.
The goose seems to have left Newton and has been spotted in other locations, but there’s always the possibility it may return. Look for a flock of Canada Geese, and search for the one that looks a bit smaller and different.
