Akimiski Island - Brant, Canada Geese and Snow Geese - Page 2

Thousands of "Atlantic" Brant (Branta bernicla hrota) migrating from the American East Coast to the Arctic spend several weeks fattening up on Puccinellia grass before continuing north to the breeding grounds in Foxe Basin and Arctic islands. These Brant are fat as shown by the sag behind their legs. 29 May 2008.

This Brant is fattening up on 29 May 2008.

 

This first year Brant has not fully molted in the white markings on the neck. 29 May 2008.

 

Canada Goose Research

Long-term research on Akimisiki measures reproduction and survival of Branta canadensis interior.

Canada Goose eggs numbered based on order of laying. 30 May 2008.

Canada Goose goslings on 5 June 2008

Ken Abraham puts web tag on Canada Goose gosling. 30 May 2008.

Female Canada Goose with recently hatched goslings on 30 May 2008.

Canada Goose parents lead goslings to the rich Puccinellia grass feeding areas along the coast. 3 June 2008.

 

"Lesser" Snow Geese

Lesser Snow Goose colony on Akimiski Island has about 1000 pairs. About 80% are blue morph. 31 May 2008.

Snow Goose eggs are smaller, whiter and longer than Canada Goose eggs. They hatch later than Canada Geese. 31 May 2008.

Pair of white morph Snow Geese at the nest. 31 May 2008.

 

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