Regarding the species of bean-goose involved.... Limited existing data
suggest that Tundra Bean-Goose is the more likely species to be found in
California -- five accepted records, vs. none for Taiga (although at least
one of the two records accepted only to the level of Tundra/Taiga was
suspected to pertain to a Taiga). As for this particular individual, which
I was able to see at a distance this afternoon, my impression was that it
was rather short-necked and stout-billed, so more likely Tundra based on
structure. However, this is a very complex and difficult ID issue
(complicated by considerable variation in both "species") and only a
battery of very good photos (from which bill structure, "grinning patch"
shape, head-to-bill ratio, etc,. can be measured) will allow a reasonably
confident assignment to species.
As for refinding this bird, my guess is that it will return to Piute Ponds
or, perhaps more likely, between there and the sw. shore of Rosamond Lake
where most of the local geese spend much of their time. Those with permits
to visit Piute would do well to check there and, road conditions
permitting, to check the flooded areas out toward Rosamond Lake. At some
point most mornings, some or most of the geese fly west from Rosamond/Piute
to the west, likely ending up at the Lancaster Sewage Ponds. Therefore,
somebody with lots of time on their hands could also station themselves
along Sierra Hwy at Ave C and watch for geese flying into the sewage pond
area. And of course the sewage ponds would be worth checking if access for
birders can be arranged, but that is by no means guaranteed.
Kimball Garrett
Juniper Hills, CA
On Mon, Mar 6, 2023 at 4:06 PM Braxton Landsman via groups.io <balbhl=
<icloud.com...> wrote:
> Out of curiosity, does anyone have any ideas as to the exact species of
> this bird?
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