December 24th 2006. Campus Pond, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA. (Giant) Canada Goose Branta canadensis maxima (30). A visit to the campus pond this afternoon produced the largest numbers of geese that I’ve seen here all fall and winter. Over 1,000 Canada Geese were present, and perhaps surprisingly, not a single Cackling Goose could be found. On the other hand, I did see about thirty extremely large Canada Geese showing some of the characteristics of the form B. c. maxima. They were identifiable by the massive overall size, proportionately large bill, extensive white cheek (extending high towards the crown), and overall rather pale appearance with a complete white surround at the base of the black neck sock. This particular bird also showed prominent white marks across the forehead. This is apparently the largest form of Canada Goose and this bird certainly dwarfed the much more numerous B. c. canadensis and B. c. interior also present on the campus pond today. This wasn’t the first time that I’ve noted birds showing the characteristics of maxima during the fall/winter. However, the excellent viewing conditions provided a nice opportunity for photographic documentation. I’m not sure about the distribution of maxima in Massachusetts and couldn’t find any reference to this form in ‘The Bird of Massachusetts’ by Veit and Petersen. For some excellent background on the various forms of Canada Goose, do check out the following websites; Harry Kruger David Sibley Angus Wilson Images taken using Canon Powershot A540 through Swarovski HD telescope. |
 (Giant) Canada Goose Branta canadensis maxima - center.  (Giant) Canada Goose Branta canadensis maxima. Prominent marks across the forehead.  (Giant) Canada Goose Branta canadensis maxima - rear. Generally massive and rather pale with extensive white cheeks and white spots on forehead.  (Giant) Canada Goose Branta canadensis maxima - rear.  Campus Pond, University of Massachusetts. Thick with over 1,000 Canada Geese of at least three different forms. |