I was out running errands yesterday when I found a Greater White-fronted Goose. I drove home to grab my gear so I could photograph this ‘specklebelly’ goose.
Greater White-fronted Goose close up
I contacted Shane Smith, a neighbor and budding bird photographer who shares sightings with me, and Ron Dudley to let them know about the goose. Shane and I met up first; then, Ron joined us to take photos of the adult Greater White-fronted Goose after Shane and I pointed it out to him.
Shane had found the goose originally and shared it with me then, but we had no idea if it had stuck around. It had been six days since he originally found it.
The light yesterday was variable. While clouds passing overhead blocked the sun at times, there were moments when the light was quite lovely.
The vagrant Greater White-fronted Goose was gorgeous. Click the first photo below to view the larger version of the images.
I spent a total of 55 minutes with the goose and took just over 1700 images of her or him on the water and feeding on the grass.
Greater White-front Goose feeding on grass
Greater White-fronted Geese, though uncommon in this area, are found in Utah during spring and fall migration. They are not on the review list for the Utah Bird Records Committee. Greater White-fronted Geese are long-distance migrants. They breed in the northernmost parts of North America in Alaska and Canada, and winter in the southern United States and Mexico.
Yesterday, I hurried through the photos I took of this vagrant goose and quickly picked ten to share here this morning. I enjoyed every moment I had with the Greater White-fronted Goose in my viewfinder.
After losing sight of the goose, thick clouds moved in, so I packed up my gear and went home with a smile on my face.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my swan, geese, and duck photos.
What a terrific series of shots! The Greater White-fronted Goose is new to me and it is magnificent. The depth and clarity of these pics is incredible. Thanks Mia.
So exciting! 💜
Wonderful photos!
Thanks for sharing these lovely shots of a beautiful bird I’ve never had the opportunity to see here in Ottawa.
Great shots of this beautiful goose!!!
We drive over to the central valley every winter to enjoy the “specks.” Liftoff is amazing.