Brant

[Ben]

Saw a Brant today at Sardis park. 1:30. It was smaller than the many other Canadian and cackling geese around with all dark head all the way down to the breast. Slight bit of a "necklace", and white bars on the back makes me think it's a young bird.

sorry about the quality. i don't have a nice camera (just used my phone)
 

[Gord]

Excellent work, Jonathan! This is the sixth record for the checklist area and the third for Sardis Pond! What is it about Sardis Pond that attracts the Brant? Very interesting. Good to have you guys birding the area again.

For more info on Brant in the checklist area visit the website via the link. www.fraservalleybirding.com/Species/Bird%20Accounts/Brant.htm

[murraybrown]

Nice find Jonathan (Real name?) I agree that it is a very young bird and probably not on the wing very long. I have read where those guys get separated from their family - and even their flock - during autumn storms and then hook up with Cackling Geese which are the closest to them in size and appearance. From there they travel with the Cacklers to wherever they go. Even so called inappropriate habitat.
I suspect because Sardis Pond has become so popular with Cackling Geese it's why we have had the numbers of Brant that Gord refers to.

Now see if you can find me a Bean Goose!

[Ben]

Yes you got me: I'm Jonathan... This is my brother's account so I'm just using it since he's not around.
It's interesting that you say he/she might be following the cackling geese because the other geese did not seem very accepting (they didn't want it near them, I felt) and while they were all relaxing (it seemed) on the grass the Brant was very busy eating away at the grass.

[Gord]

The Brant is still sticking around and was seen this afternoon when the flocks of geese came in from the fields. It was still there early this evening as well.

[Ben]

The Brant is still hanging around. It was there this afternoon.