Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)

 

• HABITAT - The Great White-fronted Goose can be found across the Northern Hemisphere and in North America is found mainly west of the Mississippi. They breed in the tundra near wetlands, rivers, and ponds. During migration they forage in wet sedge meadows, tidal mudflats, lakes, open rivers, ponds  and wetlands.
• DIET - Greater White-fronted Geese are herbivorous, feeding on grasses, sedges, flowers, leaves, roots, grain, and berries. During fall and winter, they favour agricultural fields of cereal grains and other crops.
• FACTS - Greater White-fronted Geese are a rare sighting in our area because they seldom come this far east. They can be confused with the domestic Graylag Goose which are sometimes seen as feral geese. Seeing the one pictured here definitely took me by surprise.
• During the non-breeding season, they hang out in groups often with Snow and Canada Geese, where their brown plumage and larger size make them easy to differenciate from the other species.