totty wee Canada

The photos here c/o George Hogg depict a hybrid Canada x Barnacle Goose, seen at Eskmouth Musselburgh on 16 November. Distinguished from Cackling Canada most obviously by the long neck sock descending to upper breast, and the stark contrast with paler flanks, plus small white dots on forehead:



This appears to be the same bird which was at East Fenton on 11 October and perhaps flew over Port Seton prom playground amongst 23 birds after dark the same day. I'm not aware if it has occurred in our region before, but there may well be a general lack of interest in it if it has really been at Musselburgh for over a month and no-one has noticed it, or thought it worth mentioning?! More photos from Musselburgh here, c/o Gavin Hamilton.

NB - the ID of this bird and others similar is also debated on hybridbirds.

Some further superb images c/o Abbie Marland (River Esk, 20 November):