That's interesting to read, when I sent this to a few notable gos people in our area, they commented they had seen the same thing as Geoff here and in Wyoming...everyone has different experiences!
I would liked to have had some of those guys tag along with me. In 2011 I spent a month looking at deserted nesting territories in Wyoming. I did find birds, but vast areas are no longer suitable due to a combination of over logging and pine die-off. Not only are the goses gone, but all the small game they depend on are gone as well. And what little healthy pine is left is now highly sought after by loggers. Hopefully next year I can go back and survey more ground.

I have no doubt that some birds will adapt and survive, but they are there is far lesser numbers than what existed before.