Snow Goose Variations. © Copyright 2018 G Dan Mitchell – all rights reserved.

A group of snow geese exhibiting variations in coloration

Upon a first experience with these birds they seem to be nearly identical in every way — the initial impression is of white birds (with a pattern of black wing markings when in flight) and a certain uniformity of their calls. Surprisingly, perhaps, I was first alerted to the differences by a friend who has learned to detect the type of flock by subtleties in their cries. I hadn’t noticed, but once he pointed it out I started to pay a lot more attention… and I can hear this, too.

I soon realized that there is more than one type of “white goose,” and I began to consult various guides to understand how to identify them. Some of the cues are pretty obvious once you learn about them, but the guides also reveal that things are not as regular as you might think. For example, the supposedly white types of geese are most certainly not always white! The birds in this photograph are all the same type… but there is actually quite a range in coloration.

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G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” is available from Heyday Books and Amazon.
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