The Greater White-fronted Goose (GWFG) of Bridgewater, particularly Duke Island Park, has been consistently viewed in the area from November 27 through at least February 1. While this is the individual most birders have sought and seen, a different GWFG made occasional visits to Schoolhouse Road in Franklin Township (Sandhill Crane area) during December. This bird was distinguished from the Bridgewater GWFG by field marks and location timing (as in one GWFG cannot be in two places at the same time). The goose has been absent since January 1. That is, until today when Jeff Ellerbusch found what appears to be the same GWFG as seen in December. This conclusion is based on an examination of photographs of both today’s and the December bird.

GWFG at Schoolhouse Rd. (Photos taken with Jeff Ellerbusch’s smart phone)
December is on top; February is on the bottom:

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The number of geese in the Hillsborough and Branchburg Township areas is quite impressive at this time. Cackling Geese are spread singly or in small groups throughout the Opie Road-Studdiford Bridge area.