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 - [email protected] MOURC Chairman 2602 East 4th St., Duluth, MN 55812
