Pink-footed Goose at Lake Muhlenberg

Yesterday, I finally had a chance to check Lake Muhlenberg in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA for the Pink-footed Goose discovered by Scott Burnet on January 7. The fog was extremely thick at first, making it extremely difficult to sort through the geese on the water. However, I eventually spotted the bird near the far side of the lake, but the view was terrible.

Pink-footed Goose in fog

By about 8:15, the fog had slowly started to lift. Right around this time, the goose swam across the lake and onto the adjacent grassy area, where it just stood for a few minutes allowing the large group of birders to get excellent views of this rare bird and its namesake pink feet!

Pink-footed Goose

After a few minutes on the grass, the goose waddled back to the lake.

Pink-footed Goose

Pink-footed Goose

At about 8:45, the goose took off, headed west, with a small group of Canada Geese. The smaller size, overall gray color, and white tail made this bird easy to spot as it flew.

Pink-footed Goose

Pink-footed Goose

Other birds of note at the lake included a single Lesser Black-backed Gull and a female Red-breasted Merganser.

Note: Today (January 13), the Pink-footed Goose was seen at Dorney Pond, which is about a mile away from Lake Muhlenberg.