Anser anser

This Graylag Goose was photographed flying past a research vessel on December 3, 2010 – approximately 180 nmi east of Cape Bonavista (near position N 50, W 49d 10′). It is the second record for Newfoundland, and only the second unquestionable record for North America (since that time, several seemingly wild birds have been seen).
– Photo: Pierre Ryan (December 3, 2010)

Status: Very Rare (< 5 records)

Origins: Breeds across much of Europe and Asia, including Iceland.
Small numbers have reportedly been nesting as close as southeast Greenland in recent years. The origins of most, if not all, other reports from North America have been questioned since this species is regularly kept in captivity.

Record Details: Three records for Newfoundland – two offshore, and one on the island. (1) An individual that spent several days on a vessel in late April and early May 2005 represented the first accepted record for North America. (2) Another was photographed flying past a vessel on December 3, 2010.  (3) A long-awaited record, a wild-looking and behaving individual was present on fields and the in the estuary at Harricott (St. Mary’s Bay) from December 3-11, 2023 and seen by many. In Labrador, an individual was shot at Mulligan, Lake Melville (60 km NE of Happy Valley-Goose Bay) on April 12, 2020.

* NOTE – This website is not an official account and “may” contain incorrect information and/or details of unconfirmed records. *