Egyptian Geese in So. California (1 Viewer)

[kkriege]

It's taken me several years to determine the name of the birds I see each spring on the golf course I live on. I have been looking thru countless bird books, on-line picture galleries for years to no avail. Wednesday my golfing partner answered my question-they are Egyptian Geese. No wonder I couldn't find them in "Birds of Southern California"! Today I found the Bird Forum! I seem to be doing this backwards...back to the geese.

They arrive each year in March and stay for several months. Last year, I spotted them over at another golf course nearby with a bunch of babies. I couldn't get over how clam Mother Goose was with people around her little ones! Unfortunately, I had to hit my ball from off the fairway. It was close to Mama. She watched me but didn't move or make a sound. Babies were sleeping. So now the other question is how did they get to Orange County California when their range is in Africa!3

 

[njlarsen]

People have had Egyptian Geese in captivity for a very long time as far as I know, and sometimes captive bird do escape or get set free by owners who cannot care less anymore.

Niels

 

[csanchez7]

I believe there is a small population of Egyptian Geese established in southern California. There is a rapidly expanding population in the southern half of Florida, as well.

Carlos

 

[grebefeet9]

I believe there is a small population of Egyptian Geese established in southern California. There is a rapidly expanding population in the southern half of Florida, as well.

Carlos

that makes sense, i saw some egyptian geese in so florida this winter. does anyone know if they are ABA countable or will be?

 

[Mysticete]

I too saw Egyptian Geese while in Southern Florida. They are not countable and won't be until at least the Florida checklist makes a ruling, which is probably a bit far off in the future. Egyptian Geese did however make a recent "Exotics to watch" list

 

[csanchez7]

Morgan is absolutely right. Although Egyptian Goose is spreading rapidly, it is a relatively recent phenomenon. I would give it at least another 5+ years until it gets considered. At the current rate of population growth, it will probably be an abundant exotic in southeast Florida by then.

Carlos