Lissadell Geese 2007
	Barnacle Geese Images © Mícheál Casey 2007 Barnacle Geese are of course the reason that this area was declared a nature reserve, and Sligo is probably the most important wintering area in Ireland for this species. Pink-footed Goose Images © Mícheál Casey 2007 15th November 2007:  Pink-footed Goose at Lissadell.  Pink-footed Geese are just about annual in Sligo, usually with the barnacle flock although small groups and individuals have also been seen on passage Richardson's Cackling Geese Images © Mícheál Casey 2007 15th November 2007:  Richardson's Cackling Goose photographed at Lissadell.  This was to prove the first of two Richardson's Cackling Geese at Lissadell this year (see below) Images © Dermot Breen 2007 Images © Mícheál Casey 2007                         17th November 2007:  These photos show the two Canada/Cackling Geese currently with the Barnacle Goose flock at Lissadell/Ballintemple in Co. Sligo.  The paler bird on the left, photographed by Dermot Breen can be compared with similar shots of the darker bird on the right which was alone when first found last week.  Despite the obvious tonal differences and lighting differences, it is clear they are structurally similar and similarly-sized (paler bird slightly smaller).   It seems likely that both are Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii), as both show features consistent with the form formerly referred to as Richardson's Canada Goose (Branta canadensis hutchinsii), and now designated as Richardson's Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii hutchinsii).   The main features of this subspecies are: - small body size - pale breast - squarish head with small bill Cackling Goose is now recognised as a full species in North America by the American Ornithological Union, and in Ireland by the Irish Birds Rarities Committees.  Cackling Geese are known to breed as far east as north-western Greenland, where Barnacle geese also breed. A single photo of the 2003 Richardson's Canada Goose seen with the Barnacles at Ballyconnell is here. Some interesting discussion of Canada/Cackling Goose subspecies ID criteria available at: SibleyGuides.com OceanWanderers.com IdahoBirds.net Images © Mícheál Casey 2007 21st November 2007:  Richardson's Cackling Geese at Lissadell: Again the paler bird is on the left and the darker bird on the right, although the very changeable light conditions shows how different each bird can look, depending on the ambient light.  The lower photos show that the paler bird has a prominent throat strap (narrow black band dividing the white cheek patches) while the darker bird appears to have none.  A throat strap does not appear to be a consistent feature in this species. Dark Brent - which race? Images © Mícheál Casey 2007        21st November 2007:  Richardson's Cackling Geese at Lissadell:  This rather odd-looking juvenile has been seen with the Barnacle flock since at least Saturday last.  Its behaviour is quite strange, as it is grazing at pasture with Barnacle Geese rather than feeding on on the seashore with the thousand-plus other brent Geese in the bay.  Furthermore its large size and dark coloration suggest that it is not the usual Pale-Bellied Brent that is seen in the area.