Bean Geese - Finland (1 Viewer)

[Allen]

All

Having recently returned froma very successful week in Finland at the end of May, I have one outstanding identification issue.
In the Kuusamo region we came across a pair of Bean Geese which unfortunately flew before we got much on them. My initial impressions were of Tundra but in hindsight they weren't dissimilar in size to some Whoopers in the same field.
Which is more likely at this time of year, Tundra or Taiga, or both equally so?

 

[angelquasar]

Saw several parties of bean geese a few weeks later on a Limosa trip which Brian Small and a local guide identified as Tundra.Hope this helps.I found the mosquitoes such a trial that I began not to care.

 

[Allen]

Thanks.

We were lucky to be prior to the mosquito 'season' so didn't suffer at all!

Which was probably for the best as my birding buddy is like an 'all you can eat for free' banquet to the buzzing blighters. Luckily I must taste like crap cos they ignore me!!

 

[hannu]

Taiga Bean Goose (ssp fabalis) is much more common than Tundra Bean Goose (ssp rossicus) here in Finland, both you can meet both of them in the migration time (April-May). Finnish breeding population is Taiga BG.
Probably the nearest and rather dense breeding population of Tundra Bean Goose situated in the north part of Kola Peninsula, around 'Enozero' lake.

 

[Woodchatshrike]

Saw several parties of bean geese a few weeks later on a Limosa trip which Brian Small and a local guide identified as Tundra.Hope this helps.I found the mosquitoes such a trial that I began not to care.

The mozies are bad! But when you are looking at Hawk owl I find them more bareable!