Monday, 17 March 2014

Barnacle Geese

I have only ever seen one Barnacle Goose before, a somewhat dubious individual that was frequenting Deeping High Bank last year. I 'ticked' it anyway, but always hankered after a truly 'wild' bird. That hankering was achieved with a trip to Caerlaverock WWT close to Dumfries, there were thousands of them, possibly as many as 20,000!


The area in question is well known for these geese in the winter months where they spend their time feeding on the surrounding fields and marshland in preparation for their journey back to Spitsbergen. An amazing sight and sound as these geese took to the skies in unison as they came to roost close by.





A lone individual
As ever, click on the photos for a larger picture, the flock photos look 'better' the larger they are.
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11 comments:

  1. Roy Norris18 March 2014 at 01:51

    Really fabulous images John, what a sight to see.
    Yes I have seen that dubious one, but if it walks like a Barnacle and honks like Barnacle, then its a Barnacle.{:))

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    1. John19 March 2014 at 20:07

      Thanks Roy! An amazing sight and sound. I have 'ticked' the High Bank one, I just got a bit worried when it started coming to bits of bread! ;)
      J

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  2. bazza18 March 2014 at 06:01

    Hi John. I presume the 'red' face of the single bird is just reflecting sunlight? I agree that the flock pictures look better when enlarged - especially the one of the birds on the ground, with lovely background colour.
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. John19 March 2014 at 20:08

      Hi Bazza,
      Yes, the one day when the sun was shining and there was a sunset! Glad you enjoyed the 'larger' images.
      J

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  3. holdingmoments18 March 2014 at 07:55

    You certainly got a 'tick' there John.
    A great sight to see and hear so many geese like that.

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    1. John19 March 2014 at 20:08

      Hi Keith,
      Yes, several 'ticks'! A sight and sound to behold.
      J

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  4. John "By Stargoose And Hanglands"18 March 2014 at 09:53

    I must get up there some day! like you I've only ever seen one - an even more dubious individual who made Paxton Pits his home for a while.

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    1. John19 March 2014 at 20:09

      Hi John,
      A trip is definitely worth it, up close to lots of wintering birds, including Whooper Swans too. I am sure the Paxton bird was legit!?
      J

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  5. Margaret Birding For Pleasure18 March 2014 at 23:17

    What a wonderful sight. Great shots.

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    1. John19 March 2014 at 20:10

      Thanks Margaret,
      A sight that I have been waiting a while to see.
      J

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  6. John1 April 2014 at 20:37

    Hi Jerry,
    It most definitely is/was. I can truly now say that I have seen a wild Barnacle Goose!
    J

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