Thanks to Kym for providing me with identification of this species of goose. Anseranas semipalmata Description The Magpie Goose has a black neck and head, with a characteristic knob on the crown (larger in males),which increases in size with age. The underparts are white, with contrasting black edges on the underwing. The bill, legs and feet are orange. The Magpie Goose differs from most waterfowl in having strongly clawed toes that are webbed only on their basal halves. Males can reach up to 92 cm, females are slightly smaller. Distribution and Habitat The Magpie Goose is widespread throughout coastal northern and eastern Australia. It can be seen in floodplains and wet grasslands from Fitzroy River, Western Australia, through northern Australia to Rockhampton, Queensland, and has been extending its range into coastal New South Wales to the Clarence River and further south. Some individuals, mostly younger birds, may be seen at quite long distances inland. Food and feeding Large, noisy flocks of up to a few thousand birds congregate to feed on aquatic vegetation. The Magpie Goose is a specialized feeder with wild rice Oryza, Paspalum, Panicum and spike-rush, Eleocharis, forming the bulk of its diet. Breeding During the breeding season (normally February to June), Magpie Geese build nests in secluded places, usually close to wetlands. The nest is almost single-handedly constructed by the male. It usually consists of a simple unlined cup placed either in a floating platform of trampled reeds or built in tree-tops. Pairs of geese mate for life, but a male may have two females. As two females may occasionally use the same nest, the large, oval, off-white coloured eggs, may number up to 16, but eight is a more common clutch size. All adults share incubation and care for the young. This one is standing guard over the nests, I found them to be very protective of their nests from great egrets only, all other bird life they left alone when they landed near the nesting area. Thanks for looking Stuart