Date: 11/25/25 8:10 pm From: Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Geese, a word of caution
Hi Ethan,
Thank you for the very helpful caution on numbers and sound ID.
For me at least, Greater White-fronteds were almost the only species for
the first 30 minutes, then transitioned to progressively more Cackling
flocks by about 45 minutes. My 350 Greater White-fronted count might be an
under-estimate (I’m in process hand counting birds I photographed). But my
current estimate of visually identified goose species is currently 40%
Greater White-fronted (which is unusual).
I counted only birds I could identify visually, taking photos when I could.
Regardless of the exact proportion, it was certainly an unusually Greater
White-front heavy morning (7:30-9am) in Albany at least.
On Tue, Nov 25, 2025 at 7:04 PM Ethan Monk via groups.io <z.querula=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> 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.
>
> Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
>
> Best
> Ethan Monk
>
>
>
>
