Cackling Goose Carr Mill Dam

When I heard that a Lesser Canada Goose had been reported from Carr Mill Dam this morning, I was fairly sure that it would be the same Cackling Goose which was seen at Eccleston Mere, Knowsley Park and Prescot Reservoirs in the August, and sure enough it was, with the same dodgy looking wing. However it's now looking even better, with a really nice purply sheen to the breast. It differs from the other Canadas in it's small size (barely bigger than a Mallard), short neck, tiny bill and dark breast. There is a debate on bird forums about this bird, and the majority seem to be of the opinion that the bird is a hybrid, largely because its back is apparently a fraction too grey, and it's bill a fraction too big for pure Cackling Goose, but it's a close call for me. In perfect light at Carr Mill Dam it may look a fraction grey, but with 20,000 Barnacles on Islay on a dull winters day, there wouldn't be many people saying it was a hybrid in my opinion! Interesting bird whatever the reality......

A nice size comparison with Mallard, Canada Goose and Coot (left), and a great view of its shiney purply breast (right).