This Ross’s Goose (Chen rossii) was a pleasure to see today at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut after being discovered by Stefan Martin and Danny Williams. There have only been a handful of records for the species in the state.
Don’t worry, it didn’t fly away – it was only stretching those wings! Ross’s Geese winter in the southwestern or far western U.S. and breed in the arctic. Presumably this bird was on the way north before being swept our way on the winds from the latest cold front. They have been seen more frequently, albeit still very rarely, on the eastern seaboard in recent years. It was quite tame and comfortable with a large flock of Canada Geese as joggers and walkers went by without giving it a glance. A Peregrine Falcon attack run at nearby pigeons did not disturb it either. Perhaps it will stick around a few days until the winds shift south once again.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
