Greater White-Fronted Goose in Wascana Lake

Greater White-fronted Goose, Wascana Lake Bird Sanctuary, Regina. 

When I strolled along Wascana Lake, a Greater White-fronted Goose kept me company for a while, paddling beside the path.

The markings on these brown and white geese are both subtle and striking.

Contrasted against the soft brown feathers on its body, its orange bill and white face feathers make it look slightly clown-like to me, a reference unlikely to please this grumpy-looking goose. (I'm sure all geese are very happy, but to me, they generally look 'out of sorts,' as my mother use to say.)

All About Birds says Greater White-fronted Geese have one of the largest ranges of any species of goose in the world, but they are common in North America only west of the Mississippi in wetlands and fields.

They seem to be a frequent visitor at this time of year to Saskatchewan. I've seen them several times at Wascana Lake in Regina, and also in the lakes along the TransCanada Highway near Chaplin and Morse, stopping off on their way north to the tundra.

Greater White-Fronted Goose at Wascana Lake, Regina, SK © SB

Head-on, the origin of the goose's White-fronted name is clear. © SB

What is this? Greater White-fronted Goose — Oie rieuse.
Location: Wascana Lake, Regina, Saskatchewan
Photo date: April 25, 2016.

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