Sorry for the rubbish phone photo. My other half was despatched to the industrial estate down the road on a "wild goose chase" so when I got home I found this sitting in my kitchen! It went to our local wildlife centre where it had a broken wing strapped up, and as far as I know it's still doing well. Neither me or the other half can ID it. Any ideas?
A closed mouth gathers no foot.
Well I would have sais a 'Heinz 57' actually! But it looks like has mostly snow goose in the mix! Well done both for 'rescuing' it! Hope it makes a full recovery!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Hi Maisie,
Well done you!, I don't have a clue other than it has wonderful markings - hope the poor thing flies again. Will they keep you informed?
Regards
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
Marjus, I thought snow goose too, but there's too much brown on the feathers, so it probably is some sort of hybrid.
Kezmo, last time we went the goose was scheduled to see the vet. Even if it doesn't have 100% use of the wing, there's another goose at the centre, and the idea was that the 2 of them could go to live on the large pond in the middle of the wood that the hospital is in. Next time we're around, or speak to one of the volunteers, we'll find out what happened to it. It was a really beautiful bird.
Maisie, lovely to hear there is possibly a happy ending. Please let us know when you hear anything.
hi Maise
As people has said on this thread, it looks like a hybrid Goose.
Poor mite, I hope that he/she is alright, and has a happy life
Let us know the outcome
Kathy and Dave
It looks domestic to me! Is there a place near by that preps such birds for the xmas table? The popularity of xmas Goose is on the increase! It may have escaped (hopefully) from a doomed batch or from a farm. If you go on flicker and try "geese drive", I think they use birds very like that one with sheep dogs. Not sure if its a sport of some sort.
There are plenty of crossbreeds around in the wintering flocks, there is one in an earlier thread of mine Pinkfoot at Vane farm. this also looks similar to that one!
For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.
Goose update:
We visited the wildlife hospital yesterday. The goose's wing wasn't good enough for her to be released, so she and "a very grumpy duck" have gone to live at one of the volunteers' houses where all the ducks and geese have excellent accommodation and a nice safe pen at night.
Thanks for your update Maisie. Lovely to hear that the goose will have a happy and safe home.
Hi Maisie, thanks for the update. It's sad that she can never be released but great that she has found a good home. Well done to you for all your efforts on her behalf.
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
Hi Maisi, what a shame she won't be released but at least she is safe and care for.
We had many ducks and one goose whilst growing up. All had suffered injuries which stopped them flying again and were brought to us by people. They became part of our family and were very content living out their lives. I'm sure your goose will be too! Thanks for the update.