Birding Dude: Cackling Goose Study at Van Cortlandt Park Bronx Co.

On January 18th, I spent a few hours studying the Geese at Van Cortlandt Park (VCP) in the Bronx. I had reviewed previous reports from that location and was surprised that no one had reported any Cackling Goose (Branta Hutchinsii), this is the smaller bodied subspecies of the large bodied Canada Geese still referred to as Branta Canadensis.

Cackling Goose (Richardson's) at Van Cortlandt Park Bronx Co.

Winter brings Geese from up North and Van Courtlandt Park has been an excellent place for Geese studies. I have in the past found Greater White-fronted, Cackling and Barnacle Goose there. On this day my good fortune continued as I found two Cackling Geese, in a flock of just under 1,000 Canada Geese (Branta Canadensis). Both Cackling, (likely Richardson's) were tough to pickup in the flock and it took some patience sifting through the flock until I found them. A few photos are provided in this post.

Cackling Goose (Richardson's) at Van Cortlandt Park Bronx Co.

Cackling Goose (Richardson's) at Van Cortlandt Park Bronx Co.

For tips on how to identify Cackling Geese see my previous posts: Cackling Goose - A Photo Study and In Search of Cackling Geese at Van Cortlandt Park. Both these posts, give readers a decent start; especially, for anyone who might not be familiar on what to look for. Additionally, I would suggest to maintain a very disciplined approach to settle on your ID. Do not fall into the trap of looking at size only.