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I took those photographs at Southport Beach in Fairfield, CT this past week.
I didn't notice until I looked at my photos later, but two of the Canada Geese in this group had white speckled heads. I'm not sure if they are still transitioning to a black head, or if this is something unusual. (I'm hoping to get some bird experts to leave comments.)
I love listening to them call out to each other as they fly in formation
ReplyDeleteI have seen a few Canada Geese with this mottled head pattern and I can only assume that it has to do with moult, since the birds seem to gain their normal dark head colour in due course. I have looked in the literature, but can find no specific reference to isolated head moult of this nature. The other possibility, I suppose, would be feather mites. I'm afraid I don't have a conclusive answer. If you go back to the area where you observed this individual keep a close eye out to see whether it changes over time. Good spotting to note this aberration and post your picture.
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