Cackling Goose

A very nice non-streotypical shot. I like the pose, the low angle and the grassy setting and you've got nice detail in the feathers. I might try to bring out a little more detail in the face and head. Nice job.

I like this composition - as Robert says in isn't what we usually see for the species.

This looks like one of the smaller races of Canada Goose, and it might even be a Cackling Goose (I've only seen one since the split and don't feel comfortable in making that ID from just this view).

I wish there wasn't so much oof grass in the foreground but it doesn't look like you have any other options. Nice and sharp where it counts. I agree with Richard that it could be a Cackling Goose.

Excellent composition and a nice low angle. Colors are very pleasing, nice work.

Ray

I like the close personal feel of this one, Craig. Nice job.

I like compositon.

Craig,
I am quite taken with this photo. It is certainly a different type of shot and pose. I feel as if the goose is looking for the photographer to say hello, or just out of curiosity. I particularly like photos that give me a visceral reaction. Regardless of the technical aspects of the photos we see, the way the make us feel is very important to me. Thank you for sharing this.

I agree with the majority of comments, unusual presentation that works very well Craig.
Well done!

"thank you" for your comments and suggestions. We have several sub species of Canada's at the Ridfefield WA refuge. A prime mission is to provide and support habitat for wintering "Dusky" Canada Geese. This has been an ongoing priority since their numbers were hurt badly decades ago during a huge earthquake in the Copper River area of Alaska, their main territory. We also have Cackling (which I believe this one is,) Western Canada Goose and Taverners Canada Goose. I had rely on a friend as identifying the sub species is not my forte.
A comment was left of too much OOF grass, actually the grasses in the original image, I decided to use the NIK vinette blur filter to intentionally reduce the grass detail so viewers eyes would be drawn more to the goose and it's unique look.

Regards, Craig

Note that Cackling Goose is now regarded as a separate species and not a race or sub-species of Canada Goose.

I'd like to see this without the artificial blur added to the foreground grass.

ORIGINAL with grass blur, as you can see the vignette blur filter pretty much effected only the left FG clump.

WITHOUT grass blur

Thanks for posting the unblurred version. I prefer the unblurred look.