Northeast Goose Finding Tactics


Rare Geese

These two species are only recorded in the Northeast a handful of times each winter, but can be found if enough geese are carefully searched through. These are currently the holy grail geese from a Northeastern birder’s perspective.

Barnacle Goose – A small but sharply-patterned goose that is a vagrant from the North Atlantic and Europe. Most often found among Canada Geese, with increasing frequency each winter. The Barnacle Goose is unmistakable, with a cream-colored face, black neck and breast, light gray belly, and beautiful blueish-gray and black mantle. They can be found in singles and pairs, and recently Cackling/Canada X Barnacle Goose hybrids have been found in the region. More info here.

Barnacle Goose (adult; photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Barnacle Goose (adult; photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Pink-footed Goose – Another rarity from the North Atlantic and Europe, this classy goose is similar to a Greater White-fronted in a lot of ways, but sports a chocolate-brown head, grayish-brown body, and pink-and-black bill. This species has so far only been found among Canada Geese in the Northeast, and as singles or pairs. Many birders have noted that Pink-footed Geese typically bathe more frequently than other geese, often flailing their bright pink legs around. More info here.

Pink-footed Goose among Canada Geese (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Pink-footed Goose among Canada Geese (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)