© Carol Clemens
DA Ross's Goose photographed in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
When avid birdwatcher Carol Clemens had a chance to see a rare species --
one that usually migrates only along the West Coast -- just 45 minutes from her Hilton Head Island home, she couldn't pass it up.
A Ross's goose, similar to but smaller than a snow goose, had been spotted in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge near Hardeeville, and Clemens hopped in her car almost as soon as she heard.
"This bird is so unusual that if I hadn't called my friend to go out and see it, then it would have been a lost opportunity," said Clemens, membership co-chairwoman of the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society.
"We were hoping to get a glimpse of the goose, but thought that it would be just a white speck on the horizon," she added. "But then we got almost 10 feet away and could really admire it."
Sadly, the visit by both the goose and its apparent companion proved short-lived -- both have been found dead, within about 10 days of their arrival, according to refuge spokeswoman Monica Harris.
The first goose is believed to have been killed last week by a bobcat, Harris said. The second was found dead Monday morning, though the cause is not yet known.
Comment: The seismic activity and volcanic eruptions have been on the increase in Japan for awhile:
- Japan's massive 2011 earthquake may trigger more, and larger, volcanic eruptions
It's been just two months since Japan's Mt. Ontake erupted:- Japan's Mt. Ontake volcano suddenly violently erupts - seven people unconscious, eight seriously injured and more than 250 stranded on the mountain
Why all the volcanic eruptions, seismic activity, and other extreme weather phenomena? How could we as a people, be connected in all of this? See: