Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Toronto Reports => Topic started by: cairnstone on November 28, 2014, 01:45:57 PM

Title: Leucistic Canada Goose Bramalea
Post by: cairnstone on November 28, 2014, 01:45:57 PM

There is a very leucistic Canada Goose at Chinguacousy Park in Bramalea today. It's body is all cream-white to white and the black on it's neck and face is very faded. I got some cellphone pics of it. It was hanging around with a large flock of geese at the Central Park Dr. entrance to the park. It's easy to find as it sticks out like a sore thumb.

Title: Re: Leucistic Canada Goose Bramalea
Post by: Paul O'Toole on November 28, 2014, 05:30:58 PM

We had one in the Kingston area a few months back, see below.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3844/14732297147_15deabbda9_c.jpg)

Title: Re: Leucistic Canada Goose Bramalea
Post by: John on November 28, 2014, 06:05:02 PM

That bird doesn't look quite right for a Canada Goose, leucistic or otherwise.   Maybe a domestic mix?

Title: Re: Leucistic Canada Goose Bramalea
Post by: Paul O'Toole on November 28, 2014, 07:05:16 PM

Not 100% on it being a Leucistic Canada Goose. Much discussion by birders in our area and no real confirmation for a positive ID.

Title: Re: Leucistic Canada Goose Bramalea
Post by: cairnstone on November 28, 2014, 10:36:57 PM

This is a cellphone snap of the goose in Bramalea today.

(http://i62.tinypic.com/5bbggl.jpg)

Title: Re: Leucistic Canada Goose Bramalea
Post by: Paul O'Toole on November 28, 2014, 10:41:31 PM

Cool looking bird indeed.

Title: Re: Leucistic Canada Goose Bramalea
Post by: cairnstone on November 28, 2014, 10:46:31 PM

I wonder if it's a hybrid rather than leucistic? It has yellow legs which I didn't really take note of before.

Title: Re: Leucistic Canada Goose Bramalea
Post by: thouc on November 28, 2014, 11:40:46 PM

Quote from: "cairnstone"

I wonder if it's a hybrid rather than leucistic? It has yellow legs which I didn't really take note of before.

I would say leucistic. There are some pictures online of similar birds with normal looking head/neck and light coloured body/legs. I don't think any hybrid would look like a perfect Canada Goose from the neck up.

Title: Re: Leucistic Canada Goose Bramalea
Post by: cairnstone on November 29, 2014, 01:39:18 PM

The goose is still present today, although the flock had moved to the southeast section of the park grazing in a large field. I posted a better photo in the photo thread.