October 12th 2006. Turner's Falls, MA.
(Richardson's) Cackling Geese Branta hutchinsii hutchinsii. (2).
Two really fine examples of (Richardson's) Cackling Goose discovered just after 17:00hrs
on the power canal at Turner's Falls. About 500 Canada Geese were resting at that time but
the numbers built up to about 900 shortly after sunset. Despite many hours of scanning through
the Canada Geese at Turner's Falls this was the first time that I've found Cacklers amongst them.
Images of both individuals are presented here which were last seen at the same location on October 14th.

  • More images of the Turner's Falls Cackling Geese can be seen here.

Images taken through Canon Powershot A540 through Swarovski HD telescope.


  • Essential web-references on the identification and taxonomy of 'white-cheeked geese' :
Harry Kruger              David Sibley              Angus Wilson





1st bird (center) - Remained distant and a little more skittish than the second bird featured below.





2nd bird - small, pale, almost 'frosty' in appearance compared to the Canada at the rear.