[CT Birds] Apparent ROSS'S GOOSE in NH

[Edward James Raynor]

Hello fellow New Englanders,
After reading Steve's post and viewing Scott's photos I believe New  
Hampshire has its first Chen rossi. In December 2006, I found one in  
Connecticut, which was accepted as the second state record. Pictures  
are available on www.ctbirding.org  As migratory gesse numbers explode  
in the Arctic due to growing favorable wintering habitat and  
conditions, agricultural fields not fully harvested for hunting  
purposes, west and south of New England, Ross's Geese are becoming  
more numerous in the northeast. What surprises me is that western  
Vermont has many records and New Hampshire does not have one. If  
accepted, this will be last state to add one to their list.  
Hybridization was considered but visually ruled out with the CT bird  
and the lack of Snow Geese with that individual also caused some  
initial concern. But the substantial increase of Ross's Goose  
sightings from the Mid-Atlantic to the coastal Northeast eases rare  
bird committee's issues with origin. Enjoy the goose while it lasts  
and get there fast because northward goose migration is underway!

Good birding,
E.J. Raynor

P.S. I will not be able to organize this year's Isles of Shoals  
Christmas Bird Count due to my current graduate position in Louisiana.  
I hope someone would like to take the responsibility and coordinate  
the trip this year. PLEASE email me if interested.