The Ross’s Goose is a rare bird to find in Michigan.
But that’s not what it seems like this year, as I’ve seen one in each of the first three months of 2020!
In three different counties. What a treat!
With its breeding grounds in the Arctic, the Ross’s Goose migrates through central Canada and through the central United States, west of the Mississippi River.
Seeing one this far east, near the Great Lakes, is pretty special.
Seeing three in three months in three different counties, amazing!
Similar to the Snow Goose, each time I’ve seen the Ross’s Goose, it’s been feeding with a flock of Canada Geese.
Ross’s Goose: Life Bird 257
I remember the first time I saw Ross’s Goose in Michigan in February 2019.
One of our local birders reported the small white goose at a nearby lake.
I read the rare bird alert at 4:20pm and set off in search of the bird.
In the middle of a snowstorm. With little daylight left in the day.
Not the easiest bird to find in the swirling snow but the black-tipped wings helped me to locate the bird on the shore of the lake within 20 minutes.
I remember that feeling of awe as I added the Ross’s Goose life bird number 257 for me. For birders, a life bird is the first time you’ve seen and identified a bird.
I doubt there’s a chance I’ll see another Ross’s Goose in April 2020, but keep your fingers crossed for me.
