Date: 11/25/25 7:04 pm From: Ethan Monk via groups.io <z.querula...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Geese, a word of caution
Hi all,
While I was locked inside today, not actually seeing or hearing any geese, I enjoyed reading a number of reports of geese moving in the Bay Area. These days are always wonderful! But I wanted to extend a note of caution. Many reports, on listservs and eBird, alluded to being heard only. Considering the stifling, drippy fog over much of the region today, this doesn't surprise me! Yet, while they can be told apart by the experienced ear, Greater White-fronted and Cackling Geese sound very similar, especially in large flocks. I confuse them often, thinking I hear one species, and then seeing another! Reports I read on listservs over much of the day made it seem like White-fronts were in the large majority, however my personal experience is that later season flight days of geese are more often dominated by Cackling Geese, with White-fronts more often in the minority. I also received a number of reports off list from observers that saw more Cacklers than White-fronted, or only saw Cackling Geese. So, while it is totally possible for a Nov. 25th "goose flight day" to be dominated by White-fronts, I just want to make sure we are all being careful when IDing geese, lost in fog over head.
