On Saturday April 17 Jean Dubois reported a probable Pink-footed Goose at
Plaisance, Quebec, near Ottawa (and within 1km of the Ontario border). This
morning Marc Bosc and I relocated the bird and confirmed that it is a
Pink-footed Goose. We had excellent looks at and noted the pink saddle on
the (short) bill, gray barred back, white flank streak, pink legs, etc. It
is about 2/3 the size of the surrounding Canada Geese (@10,000 present) and
can be picked out by its grayer apperance. We could see no band on the bird.
Given an established pattern of vagrancy (eg Newfoundland records, Montreal
record, other NE North America records) it is probable that this is a wild
bird.
Also present were 8 Rough-legged Hawk (mostly along highway 50 west of
Mason), 1 Bald Eagle and the returning Eurasian Wigeon at Mason/Angers.
Directions:
Follow Highway 148 east of Thurso. In Plaisance turn right (south) on Chemin
des Presqu'iles. There is a $3.50 charge to enter the reserve. Turn left on
Chemin de la Petite Presqui'ile and stop at the first lookout overlooking
Baie de la Pentecoté. The Pink-foot was with the masses of Canadas in the
unfrozen water close to shore. There was one (white) Greater Snow Goose
present.
Mark Gawn
Ottawa, Canada
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