[mou] Calling all Cackling Geese

[Peder Svingen]

As publicized on this and other listserves, and as discussed by Kim Eckert
in The Loon 76:99_102, the American Ornithologists' Union has split the
Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) from the Canada Goose complex (July
2004 issue of The Auk). At its August 2004 meeting, the Minnesota
Ornithologists' Union Records Committee (MOURC) reviewed the taxonomy and
distribution of Canada Goose subspecies, and decided to begin compiling
information on the Canada Goose complex in Minnesota.

Preliminary data suggest that what is now called Cackling Goose migrates
regularly through the state, possibly in good numbers in western regions,
with some individuals lingering into December or occasionally attempting
to overwinter. There are indications that some of the subspecies currently
subsumed under Cackling Goose may be candidates for vagrancy to Minnesota
or may even have already occurred in the state -- including forms that may
be split into additional species in the future.

For the time being, this newly split species will be handled as a species
that requires documentation. Accordingly, the committee requests that all
observers submit notes (and photographs or sound recordings if possible)
of any suspected Cackling Goose in the state. I started a compilation of
previous records of the Cackling Goose (presumably all hutchinsii) after
receiving a list of records from Bob Janssen and a documentary photograph
from Paul Pedersen. MOURC will need to review information on Minnesota
specimens, and evaluate photographs and other documentation before it can
officially add Cackling Goose to the state's list.

Documentation and data on Cackling and other identifiable forms of the
Canada Goose should be sent to me by surface or e-mail (address below).
For all previous records of the Cackling Goose, please include the
date(s), number of birds, exact location, and notes on how they were
identified as Cackling Geese. For all current records and through at least
Spring 2005, please include the same information plus photographs or sound
recordings if possible. Photographs of apparent Cackling Geese seen prior
to 2004 are especially welcome, since they would unequivocally establish
this species' status -- until the next split!

For further information and help with identification, the following sites
may be useful:

http://www.sibleyguides.com/sibley_guide_other.htm
[additions and corrections to the Sibley Guide to Birds].

http://www.oceanwanderers.com/CAGO.Subspecies.html
[Angus Wilson website, copyright 2003 before the split].

http://www.siu.edu/~wildlife/classes/zool462/canadagoosedistributionfinal.ppt
[Rob Parsons posted this link, requires Power Point].

http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/Canadagoosesubspecies.html
[photos of subspecies with additional links].

http://www.badboybirding.com/LCGO_01252004.htm
[photos of parvipes].

http://www.utm.edu/departments/ed/cece/trugeese2.shtml
[photographs of Canada Goose subspecies including "Todd's" Goose].

http://texasbirds.org/tbrc/Canadagooset.html
[statement from the Texas Bird Records Committee with some ID points].

http://www.utahbirds.org/RecCom/NewGoose.htm
[no photos but nice summary of taxonomy and identification].

http://biology.usgs.gov/s+t/frame/b011.htm
[population trends and distribution of the Canada Goose complex].

http://www.umd.umich.edu/dept/rouge_river/goose.html
[discussion of "runt" geese masquerading as Cackling Geese].

On behalf of the records committee, thanks to all who submit documentation
and data on the occurrence of Cackling and other forms of the Canada Goose
in Minnesota. Its a unique and challenging opportunity to contribute
useful information about Minnesota birdlife.

-- 
Peder H. Svingen - psvingen@d.umn.edu
MOURC Chairman
2602 East 4th St., Duluth, MN 55812