A rarely-seen mix of Canada goose and domestic goose was discovered paddling near Brae Island during the 13th Fort Langley bird count, held Saturday, March 2.

Event organizer Phil Henderson, a Fort Langley resident, called it an 91裸聊视频渙ddball goose,91裸聊视频� bigger, with a larger head and different colouring than a standard Canada goose.

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 something unusual,91裸聊视频� Henderson noted.

91裸聊视频淚n addition to the size and facial differences, the orange legs of the hybrid [are different] 91裸聊视频� a 91裸聊视频榬egular91裸聊视频� Canada Goose has black legs,91裸聊视频� Henderson explained.

While Canada geese and domestic geese don91裸聊视频檛 normally mate with each other, it has been known to happen, experts say, and hybrids can end up as part of a flock of Canada geese or domestic geese, depending on which parent they imprint on.

About 20 people braved cold and damp weather conditions to carry out the count at six different locations in the Derby Reach and Brae Island parks, including the Houston Trail, Derby Bog and peatlands, Edgewater Bar, and Fort-to-Fort Trail areas.

Henderson led the group that went to the bog, a sensitive conservation area which requires a permit from Metro Vancouver to enter.

91裸聊视频滻t91裸聊视频檚 not high diversity, but it91裸聊视频檚 interesting in species that occur there,91裸聊视频� Henderson commented.

Such as spotting a Sandhill crane, which Henderson described as a 91裸聊视频渉igh point91裸聊视频� of the day.

91裸聊视频淭hey move around a bit, but the Derby Bog is an area that they do frequent,91裸聊视频� Henderson said.

91裸聊视频淲e were lucky enough to see them. We heard them initially when we went into the bog, and then we saw one flying over, so we confirmed at least one.91裸聊视频�

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The highest number of species, 35, were counted along the Fort to Fort trail section, while the lowest number, 16, was counted in the bog and Houston Loop.

Overall, 44 species and 1,200 individual birds were counted. That represented a slight drop from previous counts, which have averaged as many as 53 species and 1,400 birds.

91裸聊视频淪o the numbers are down, but generally I91裸聊视频檇 say that things have stayed pretty consistent [over the years],91裸聊视频� Henderson told the Langley Advance Times.

91裸聊视频淭hank goodness for Metro Parks 91裸聊视频� they91裸聊视频檝e really done well to conserve that area.91裸聊视频�

Henderson said beyond tracking bird populations, the goal of the event is to encourage people to learn about birds from experienced birders and experts.

91裸聊视频淲e try to get the inexperienced people out, just to encourage them to develop a relationship with their environment, and that sense of stewardship which goes ultimately towards conservation.91裸聊视频�

Results of the count are shared with participants and also Metro Vancouver.

91裸聊视频淚 do a brief report every year,91裸聊视频� Henderson said.

Anyone interested on taking part in future bird counts can email strix@uniserve.com.

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