Emperor Goose adult perched atop rocky shoreline with gulls and ocean waves at Bodega Head, Bodega Bay California

Birders Flock to Gander at Emperor Goose

Local birder Scott Carey’s report of an adult Emperor Goose at Bodega Head caused a great stir yesterday! Eager for a dose of the outdoors during this pandemic, we ventured out to the Head. However, when we discovered a group of excited birders upon arrival, we opted to keep our social distance. Though it was tempting to say hello to our friends, we decided to return later in the day in hopes of observing the goose among less people.
 
We popped over to Shorttail Gulch Trail, and discovered Douglas Irises springing up everywhere! What a delightful and comforting reminder that the natural world carries on despite the current uncertainty in our lives.

Douglas Iris flower in Bodega Bay California
Douglas Iris

Many hummingbirds zipped about, including this male Anna’s who perched briefly.

Anna's Hummingbird male perched on bush in Bodega Bay California
Anna’s Hummingbird

We returned to Bodega Head an hour before sunset. The Emperor Goose was among 50 or so gulls and did not disappoint, as it posed majestically in front of the frothy sea.

Emperor Goose adult perched atop rocky shoreline with Western Gulls and ocean waves at Bodega Head, Bodega Bay California
Contemplating the 2,500+ mile distance to its breeding grounds in Eastern Russia?
Emperor Goose adult perched atop rocky shoreline with gulls and ocean waves at Bodega Head, Bodega Bay California
Emperor Goose

Apparently, a pair of Emperor Geese was observed in San Luis Obispo County at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery back on January 9, 2020.
 
On March 11, 2020, a pair was spotted again in the same general vicinity – see eBird checklist here. The last observation of the pair together was March 15. According to eBird reports and the SLO County Birding List, the remaining single goose was still present as of March 17.
 
Could Sonoma County’s Emperor Goose be the bird from SLO that disappeared on March 15?! How long will it remain in our area??? As of right now, it has not been reported today from Bodega Head.

Black-legged Kittiwake standing on rocky coast at Bodega Head, Bodega Bay California
Bonus Black-legged Kittiwake!!!

If the early birder catches the metaphorical worm, then the late birder catches the beautiful sunsets.

Beautiful orange sunset from Bodega Head in Bodega Bay California
A gorgeous send-off from Mother Nature

8 thoughts on “Birders Flock to Gander at Emperor Goose

  1. Love your caption “Contemplating the 2,500+ mile distance to its breeding grounds in Eastern Russia?”

  2. Glad they (goose and kittiwake) stuck around for you! As always, great photos. and great prose to go with. Hope we’re together, safely, again soon.

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