Cackling Goose Sighting

In 2004 the four smallest subspecies of the Canada Goose were split into a separate species. The smaller species is known as the Cackling Goose. The main difference is in overall size, a smaller bill, and a white ring at the base of the neck. The books say their voices are similar, but the Cackling Goose is higher. From observation today, I would say thats pretty accurate. Sort of the difference between a tenor and a soprano. I must confess I generally pay little attention to Canada Geese, except for the spring time when the goslings are cute and eminently photographable! So, while I knew that Cackling Geese winter in this area, I have never really sought them out.

Today was one of those days that gives one hope that spring may come sometime. They were forecasting 40 degrees and that sounded like a heat wave after the temperatures in the past week. Schramm Park was among my destinations today.

In the pond by the old fishery was a Cackling Goose,

larger image


larger image

And for size comparison with a Canada Goose


larger image

Guess I'll have to pay more attention to the Canada Geese...cuz' one never knows, there just might be a Cackling Goose in their midst

Going A Different Direction

Wednesday I decided to go in an entire different direction. Since I live on the west end of Lincoln, it is the path of least resistance to head a little further west and north to Branched Oak Lake, or Pawnee Lake.

Part of the reason I don't like heading east is it entails a trip on I-80. I have lived in this area 17+ years and there has always been contruction somewhere between Lincoln and Omaha. On this particular day I counted 9 speed limit changes in the mere 35 miles I traveled on I-80, which means you just get the cruise control set, and settled back in your seat, and the speed limit changes.

My destination of choice was Schramm Park State Rec. Area, Louisville State Rec. Area, and Platte River State Park. Schramm Park is about five miles south of I-80, then you head south for a bit, cross the Platte River and are at Louiville SRA, then head north a bit and you are at Platte River State Park. A loop made in state park heaven!

It was a gray, overcast day and I didn't expect to take many photos. At Schramm there was a pool next to the old fishery building that wasn't frozen. There was a good number of Mallards and Canada Geese. It was obvious they were accustomed to being fed, as I slowed the car to look they all started to swim towards me. The geese were so tame that they came up out of the pool and up onto the road. One walked right up to the car and looked in the window as if to say, "where's the bread lady?" He was so close I could have touched him. When I produced no food he moved on just far enough to start pecking on the rear tire. I leaned out and softly told him to stop it. He looked at me sassily and then waddled on. There were some domestic ducks. Thought the guy with the gray head was kind of pretty.


larger image

Across the road, I sat and watched the Platte River flow by for awhile


larger image

I didn't take any pictures at Louisville, but it looked like good birding territory for another day.

At Platte River State Park I took a picture of this domestic goose. He too was obviously accustomed to being fed since he wandered right toward the car.


larger image

A nice little excursion and I'll do it again.