In Oregon, we think about flocks of Brant wintering on the estuaries, especially those that support rich eelgrass beds, but there are always a few brant summering singly or in small groups on the exposed outer coast. I came across this one and its shadow on a late June morning.
Brant that summer in Oregon get hit hard by bald eagles, which take advantage when brant become vulnerable during the molt. Notice this one’s stubby wings?
An old journal article I read mentioned that the old timers around Yaquina Bay, Oregon used to call brant china goose, but I’ve never heard anyone use that name. If you know anything about it, please let me know. I lifted this story from my Birds page. It features birds you’ll find on the exposed outer coast of Oregon, ones that let me get close, and dead seabirds from the drift line. If birds are your thing, give it a look.
theoutershores 
What a wonderful composition with Brant in the foreground, doing, I’m sure , a little dance of joy with his lovely long spiky shadow, like Neptune’s fork!
Now that you’ve brought it to my attention, it is a trident. A dancing trident to ward off negativity? Or, stirring up a great tidal wave? Thanks for helping me see the trident.
I didn’t think ‘fork’ sounded quite right! 🙃
Poor babies, sometimes life just isnt fair. But love your shadow shot!
Thanks! I wonder why a few hang around. I’ve been told there are no eagles on their nesting grounds. The main predators there are foxes.
We have a large Brant Congregation every year in Parksville on the large sandy beach there, never gone, and this is my first sighting! Thanks! Maybe I’ll go and photo them one year! Nice Shadow photo! 🙂 T.
I’d love to see a shot of that congregation!
maybe I can find one for you on line…as I won’t be getting there this year! 🙂
Here is an article with photo’s… 😉
Click to access wpID46atID6563.pdf
An informative piece. Thanks!
Here is a U-tube video, starts out a bit fuzzy but gets a lot better! Enjoy! https://youtu.be/wxl0SosAxDA
That’s a good sized flock. Looks like the community is really into their brant. Something to look forward to each year! Thanks for sending the video my way.
Nice shot!
Thanks! Coming from you, that’s quite a compliment. I love the shots in your Toronto Lights post. Makes me want to visit the Distillery District!
Thanks so much!