Brant • Bird Accounts • Fraser Valley Birding

Brant (Branta bernicla)

Status in the Checklist Area - (6) Accidental

Information

A small coastal goose about the size of a Cackling Goose that migrates between breeding grounds in the Arctic and wintering grounds in Mexico. A few remain on the coast during the winter. Main movements are in late March to early April and then again in late October through November. Accidental in our checklist area. For that matter, very rare away from coastal locations in most of North America. All records in our area, save for one, consist of single birds and are not always closely associating with flocks of other geese.

Similar species:
A fairly distinct goose with white tail coverts mostly covering the tail. Some Canada and Cackling Geese can lack the white cheek patch and might cause momentary confusion.

Best viewing locations:
The closest reliable viewing locations include White Rock and Tsawwassen Jetty with late November through to a peak in early April being the best times.

Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)
Brant Wildlife Festival

Noteworthy Data

Date	Location	Source(s)	Comments
October 12, 2019	Sardis Pond, Chilliwack	G. Gadsden, 2019
October 3, 2017	Cheam Lake Wetlands, Popkum	G. Gadsden , 2017a	Mixed in with Cackling Geese. First record for the park and just seen for the day.
September 30, 2017	Sardis Pond, Chilliwack	J. Pap, 2017	Associating with Cackling Geese. Also seen October 1, 2017 (P. Foth, 2017)
April 9, 2017	Sardis, Chilliwack	G. Gadsden, 2017	Flock of approximately 120 birds flying overhead from east to west. A storm with strong winds had passed through the night before.
	Willband Creek Park, Abbotsford	G. Gadsden, 2016a J. Gadsden
October 6, 2015	Sardis Pond, Chilliwck	J. Pap, 2015	A juvenile bird that seemed to associate mostly with the Cackling Geese. Last recorded on October 15, 2015 (J. Pap) An early record as the majority of Brant are still far to the north. Video and photos below.
November 11, 2013	Sardis Pond, Chilliwack	D. McKay, 2013	Photographed. Further details being sought. Possibly the same bird as seen earlier in the month at Harrison Hotsprings.
October 29, 2013	Harrison Lagoon, Harrison Hotsprings	I. Nelson, 2013 J. Perrin, 2013	Associating with Canada Geese at times in the lagoon. Grazed on the grass and was somewhat approachable. Last recorded on November 1, 2013 (J. Perrin)
March 13, 2012	Island 22 Regional Park, Chilliwack	G. Gadsden, 2012f	Four flying overhead in a westerly direction vocalizing several times. Viewed through binoculars.
November 28, 2004	Sardis Pond, Chilliwack	R. Whyte, 2004, G. Gadsden, 2005, D. Knopp, 2005	Remained until April 29, 2005. Towards the end of its stay, started to beg for handouts with other ducks and geese. Also seen feeding on lawns as far away as Stevenson Road in early 2005 (R. Whyte).
October 11, 2000	Hatzic Lake, Mission	G. Gadsden, 2000a D. Lewis	Mixed in with Canada and Cackling Geese on lake. Early record this far south for the species.

Photographs

Audio and Video

October 15, 2015 - Sardis Pond, Chilliwack

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