The Cackling Goose looks like a Canada Goose placed into the Incredible Shrinking Machine. Anyone old enough to remember the Monsanto Ride at Disneyland???
There are many subspecies of each goose, and a large subspecies of the Cackling Goose and a small subspecies of Canada Goose can be of similar size.
Thus, never having paid a lot of attention, I am not aware of ever having seen a Cackling Goose. Until now!
Last month, at Santee Lakes, I noticed a really, really small goose, looking like a miniature Canada Goose. It was hardly bigger than a coot! I immediately said to myself, "Cackling Goose! Life Bird!"
This goose is of the minima subspecies, the smallest of the Cackling Geese. It seemed to be by itself, perhaps when it migrates it will find a mate. Aside from its very small size, the bill is much more petite than a Canada Goose bill in relation to its head.
In comparison, Canada Geese. I would like to get a shot of the Cackling and Canada Geese together!
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