We get some odd birds coming through the Bottoms at times. The variations of nature are always interesting and make for some huge discussions in the hunting and birding world.
If you look carefully at the goose in the middle of the picture you can see a white spot on his side. That is unusual for a Canada goose. Luke Laha who teaches the Wildlife Program at Pratt Junior College pointed it to me when I was down there discussing photography with his class. He teaches a elegant course and is a smart guy with terrific students. I was oblivious to it when I took the picture.
Geese that have a white patch on their breast or white necks, wings, etc are called “Quill Lake Geese” or “Quill Geese.” This genetic trait appears to occur in geese that breed in Saskatchewan at Quill Lake. Google maps show it to be 1,154 miles from the Cheyenne Bottoms. Some of these geese have pink feet or pink spots on their feet and may be attempting to become albino. There are some other smart folks who contend these birds don’t come from Quill Lake, that they are just plain old Canada Geese with more white markings and can come from anywhere. Another observer found several of these geese in a park where they mingled with some tame geese and ended up being classified as “Quill Geese.” I suspect all these theories have validity and enjoy sharing that info with you. If you want to see your computer smoke with heated discussions about stuff like this—put it on the list serve for birding and make it a statement of fact. You will see feathers fly!!! The world’s best birders go there and attack (sometimes very emotionally) each other’s theories about the identity or subspecies of birds or feather arrangement. The principles of birding behavior also get a lot of publicity. Some birders are severely opposed to any activity that might disturb a bird. Electronic calls ( IBird Pro is a bird identification application for your cell phone that includes the calls of each species) that use your cell phone and a speaker are highly frowned on by some birders, and widely used to attract birds by other observers. The highest and purest rules of human interaction with birds are not negotiable with some people. The Audubon Society has a photo contest each year and the prize money is significant. It is illegal to use bait or food to attract a owl or bird of prey toward a spot where the photo is “rigged” to get that image. I think that is a good idea since those images in that contest are supposed to be in “real life” and getting a shot like that in the wild is pretty rare. I have been fortunate to have some friends who are prominent in the birding community and have listened to and observed some of these conversations. I am awed by their passion. The birds are very fortunate to have people like that on their side. I lose some credibility because I blow duck and goose calls(poorly...) to put food on the table. Some worlds never join, and I am grateful to wear several hats. I am also grateful for the tolerance of some of my friends.
Shore birds are showing up. Killdeer are here, Yellowlegs are here, and the ducks are still breath-taking. If you want to get the Hooded Mergansers, I would suggest doing it very soon. They are one of the first ducks to vacate the premises when the weather starts warming. My buddy in Dallas says the white bass are starting their run down there—won’t be long before we will be catching them here in Kansas. We had some Tundra Swans in the marsh last week—lots going on!
Karl, I will miss you a lot. Thanks so much for all the things you have shown and taught me. I will never forget.
Doc

Doctor Dan Witt is a retired physician and nature enthusiast.