I received a call last night and found out that a fully-winged Canada
Goose has been inhabiting the mouse of the Shoalhaven River for the
past 10 days.
Myself and Richard and Damian Baxter set off from Newcastle at 0030
(28.10.02). After picking up Dion Hobcroft in Sydney we made it to
the Caravan Park at Shoalhaven Heads at 0400. After getting light at
0600 we found the Canada Goose after a brief search. We saw the bird
well down to 200M. There was no damage apparent damage to either wing
tip and there was no ring on the right leg and probably no ring on
the left. The bird was large had a clear demarkation between the neck
and breast, the breast was pale and contrasted with the belly. The
head had a distinctive profile with a peaked crown somewhat
reminiscent of a Magpie Goose. The bird was large at least 2/3rds the
size of the accompanying black swans. I haven't checked the
literature yet but I believe that these observations are consistent
with the subspecies maxima which is the common subspecies in New
Zealand.
Shoalhaven caravan park is signposted in Shoalhaven Heads which is
accessed from Gerroa or Gerringong about 20 Kms North of Nowra. There
appear to be about 4 caravan parks in a row so make sure you drive
along the road to check all the habitat. A telescope is strongly
recommended.
There are apparently 29 Black Swans at the mouth of the Shoalhaven so
just find these and you should find the goose. While we were there
the goose was associating with 2 Black Swans.
Dion has made extensive enquiries over a number of years and
discovered that there are only a few (single figures) of Canada Geese
in captivity in Australia. Vagrants from New Zealand have previously
occurred at Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands and the coast of New South
Wales would be the most likely location for a mainland vagrant from
New Zealand. Feral Canada Geese in the UK frequently undertake moult
migration. Taking all of these things into consideration along with
the observation that the bird is of the most appropriate subspecies
for a vagrant strongly suggest that this bird is an excellent
candidate for the first genuine mainland vagrant from New Zealand. I
believe that this record should be treated as such unless there is
substantiated evidence to the contrary that I am unaware of.
All the best and good luck in your searching!!
Phil Hansbro
--
*****************************************************
Dr Phil Hansbro
Tel: +61 2 49236819 or 49522201
Fax: +61 2 49236814
Email:
http://www.birdingtours.com.au/
http://www.tandayapa.com/
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