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. |
Photos
