Jeff Ellerbusch and Zach Batren saw the Greater White-fronted (GWFG) Goose at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater Township today. Based on a possible different belly pattern, this could be a second GWFG than the one seen at Duke Farms. Tentatively, and based on belly markings, this may be the same individual who spent part of last winter at Duke Island Park.

The Spackling Goose has returned to Duke Island and is hanging with the Canada Geese and a certain GWFG. The Spackling Goose was first “described” last January in this post. It is making the rounds of the Goose hot spots in the area as Jeff says he has seen it at Opie Road in Branchburg and Duke Farms. It is a real party goose.

Jim Mulvey got a picture of the Greater White-fronted Goose at the VA Hospital in Lyons today. The goose was on the western side of the main drive into the hospital, Knollcraft Road. Remember those belly patterns. This may turn into something similar like identifying Humpback Whales based on fluke patterns.

The Greater White-Fronted Goose at Duke Island Park, Jan. 2, 2013 (Photo by Zach Batren).

The Greater White-Fronted Goose and the Spackling Goose at Duke Island Park, Jan. 2, 2013 (Photo by Zach Batren).

Greater White-Fronted Goose at Duke Island Park, Jan. 2, 2013. Note the belly pattern. This can be unique to each GWFG (Photo by Jeff Ellerbusch).

Greater White-fronted Goose at the VA Hospital in Lyons, NJ, Jan. 2, 2013 (Photo by Jim Mulvey).