Barnacle Geese breed in the Arctic islands in the North Atlantic. They will occasionally find themselves off course in the United States. A couple of weeks ago, a pair of them were reported at a lake that is about 20 minutes away from me in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania. I went after them the day after the initial report during my lunch hour. I had just enough time to drive to the lake, spend about five minutes with the birds and head back home. The lake is private and fenced, so there is no trespassing unless you are a member. I was lucky though – the geese were grazing on the shoreline close to the fence. I was able to see them from the small parking area.
I went up closer to the fence and took a few more photos. The rare birds were very cooperative!
Oh, and did I mention that they were life birds? What a great view!
This species has showed up in a few places within hours of me. There is no evidence that they were escaped birds. This pair seems to be moving with the migrant Canada Geese who may spend the entire winter here, as long as the lake does not freeze.