Sightings of Snow Geese (Chen caerulescens) are rare on the Olympic Peninsula, particularly in the coastal areas west of Port Angeles. Yet on November 9, 2018, I noticed a single goose that I didn’t recognize wandering on my land. It was a beautiful gray and white bird lacking the characteristic white chin strap of the Canada Goose, which is both common and plentiful in our area this time of year.
I did some checking and learned that my goose was a juvenile Snow that had likely flown in with a flock of Canadas and then went exploring on her own. This particular goose appeared completely at ease, allowing me to approach within a few feet before she would waddle away. She spent an entire day wandering the open fields around the house, chomping on grass and, for short periods, bedding down to rest. After observing her for several hours, I wondered if she was going to take up residence—now separated from her flock or, perhaps, unable to fly.
But in the early evening all would be resolved. Approached suddenly by two enthusiastic chickens, the goose decided it was time to go. She quickly, gracefully took flight and disappeared over the water. I thought—well, that was neat. I figured I’d never see the goose again.
She was back the next day.
Now I really did think she had decided to take up residence. For another day, I got the opportunity to observe this beautiful creature. That evening she flew off again. It was the last time I saw her.
Snow Geese are quite large—about 28 to 33 inches long—and have a wing span of nearly 5 feet. An adult is distinguished by its short, pink bill and what birders refer to as a “grinning patch” along its mandible. This “grin” appears like a row of exposed teeth akin to the fabled Cheshire Cat. The common White morph is all white except for black wing tips. The uncommon Dark morph, also called the Blue Goose, has white upperparts and a bluish gray or brownish body. Juveniles have black bills and their bodies have grayish blue and white patterns like our friend in the photo.
I understand that Snow Geese wintering in western Washington originate on Wrangel Island in Siberia and cross the Bering Strait each year during migration. However, the vast majority of these geese form two large flocks destined for the Stillaguamish and Skagit River deltas, and smaller numbers wintering at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge in southwest Washington and on Sauvie Island north of Portland, Oregon.