The name Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca) clearly invokes images of The Nile, perhaps neatly fitted into a poem about crocodiles. As Figure 1 indicates they are striking in appearance. This image was taken at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and clearly is another of the invasive species that I encountered in Coral Gables, FL. We came across it on the lawn by a pond along with its mate and a very impressive brood of goslings. My traveling companion (TC) captured an impressive encounter with a snapping turtle. The turtle was lumbering down the hill towards the water, and this goose started squawking. I was impressed by just how fast the snapper could move. Said goose finished the not so friendly meeting with a poke and bite behind the snapper’s neck as it finally made it to the water.

For my photograph, I decided that the best was this close-up of his head and distinctive plumage.

Canon T2i with 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USN lens at 275 mm, Aperture Priority AE mode, 1/4000th sec at F/6.3 with no exposure compensation.