Mike and others: I can give you a quick answer to the neck-collared geese at Sturgeon Creek, since in the past I have corresponded with Ken Abraham (Ministry of Natural Resources) on this subject.
Birds with orange neck-backs are subspecies *interior* that are caught and banded on James Bay. Additional populations also receive orange neck-bands, but are unlikely to be seen in our area -- populations on western Hudson Bay (I presume these are also subspecies *interior*) and nominate *canadensis* of far eastern Canada (which I don't believe has ever been confirmed in Ontario, probably since this subspecies looks so similar to our regular birds; however, this subspecies could be confirmed in the future in Ontario simply via a neck-band number). Also at Sturgeon Creek lately is a Canada Goose with a green neck-bank (number 1MJ1). The origin of this bird is the resident Michigan breeding population. Despite the closeness of this population, we rarely see birds with green-coloured neck bands. Recently Ken Abraham has indicated that large-bodied geese -- ones that routinely received an orange neck-band with 4 characters -- have not received such neck-bands since 2002. These will continue to be seen for years, but obviously their numbers will slowly decrease. In contrast, small-bodied geese (such as "Richardson's" Canada Goose, subspecies *hutchinsii* of the eastern Arctic) have recently received orange-neck bands but, due to the bird's small body size, they will only carry 3 characters. These neck-band numbers can easily be read with a telescope, and I urge birders to regularly look for and record them. Currently I have dozens (hundreds?) of such numbers filed away (some day I must organize these and send them in!). Additional shorebirds at Sturgeon Creek recently (as in today) include (1) Western Sandpiper (perhaps the one seen a few weeks ago here by Kevin McLaughlin), (1) Stilt Sandpiper, (4) Long-billed Dowitcher, and several each of Semipalmated Sandpiper and Least Sandpiper (plus lots of Dunlin of course). Alan Wormington ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! Alan Wormington <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
