Ten days ago Mike saw some hybrid Geese way in the distance on the far side of Loch of Snarravoe. Whilst driving past Belmont dashing for the ferry to Yell there was a roadside flock of Greylags and a quick scan revealed the presence of a Barnacle Goose and 3 hybrids. Only having a bridge camera at my disposal I quickly rattled off a few images and successfully caught the ferry!
Barnacle Goose, Greylag Geese and 2 hybrid presumed Barnacle x Greylags
The left hybrid almost resembled a Cackling/Canada x Barnacle hybrid but showed some pale pink on its bill and legs. The right hybrid was larger showed far more pink on its bill and very pale ivory-coloured legs closer to the anticipated appearance of a Barnacle x Greylag hybrid being closer in resemblance to a Canada x Greylag hybrids.
Barnacle Goose, Greylag Geese and hybrid presumed Barnacle x Greylag
The 'left hybrid' from the previous image that superficially resembles a 'small' Canada being not much larger than the accompanying Barnacle Goose but note its white forehead and dark breast signalling Barnacle Goose being one of its parents.
Barnacle Goose, Greylag Geese and 2 hybrid presumed Barnacle x Greylag
The 'left hybrid' from the previous images showing its extensive black breast to better effect. I found a hybrid Cackling/Canada x Barnacle Goose hybrid in the Cuckmere many years ago that was similar in both size and appearance although it showed an all-black bill and black legs.
Barnacle Goose, Greylag Geese and 2 hybrid presumed Barnacle x Greylag
The somehow 'far less pleasing hybrids' in appearance being similar to many online images of Barnacle x Greylag hybrids being far closer to the all-too-familiar Canada x Greylag hybrids.
