Leucistic Canada Goose

On October 17, 2010 Tracey and I were at Ankeny (again) to view the incoming flocks of migratory waterfowl.  We knew there would be plenty of Canada Geese in their many varieties, we were hoping for interesting Ducks and maybe a raptor or two!  When we arrived at Pintail Marsh, there were several birders already checking things out.  Right off the bat I noticed what I ( and a couple others) thought was a snow goose among a group of a hundred or so Canada geese.  When I scoped it a bit closer I was pleased to see a chin strap and slightly darker head identifying it as a Leucistic Canada Goose!  The other birders then verified my finding on closer inspection.  I had "my" big 400mm lens on the E-500, but it was still far enough away that the images are of fairly poor quality.  However they are clear enough to see what the bird is.

For a good description of Leucism in animals, follow this link.  Wikipedia - Leucistic