A species which in general has increased heavily in numbers during the latest years and in particular as a roosting species on Amager. Something that unfortunately also is the situation with the urbanization which has claimed large parts where before was green nature.
With the dirty dark face where normally white, and the black parties faded to brownish the indication of a hybrid is strong. Supported by the yellowish legs that indicate a crossing with an anser goose, but which? Could be a Tundra Bean-Goose - thinking about the pure bird that also was present during these days, picture 2341.
Vestamager continues to be an attractive roosting site for migrating Barnacles. Close to the city. Here with Copenhagen Town Hall and the Cathedral of Copenhagen in the background.
Roosting flock. The birds have completed accepted the daily traffic passing through the area, and they often roost close to the roads - especially Villa Høj, where flocks up to a few thousand regularly could be seen close by and in good light with the sun in from behind.
Pair with three pullus. Numbers have exploded during the last 20 years, with the consequence that the species now breeds close to Copenhagen as well. Whether these birds come from Saltholm, where many pairs now breed, or from another place within the Køge Bay area is unknown.
This aberrant individual was in a flock with 40 normally looking Barnacle Geese and one other aberrant Barnacle, 3167. Both birds look clean when it comes to overall patterns with the only difference on this bird being the more extensive white in the head and down the neck. This makes me prefer to think it is not a hybrid but an aberrant mutant effect.
This aberrant individual was in a flock with 40 normally looking Barnacle Geese and one other aberrant Barnacle, 3166. Both birds look clean when it comes to overall patterns with the only difference on this bird being dark brown on the wings without barring, and also the brown flanks. This makes me prefer to think it is an effect caused by mutation rather than hybridization.