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.

11 comments:

  1. 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. 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. 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.
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    1. 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. You certainly got a 'tick' there John.
    A great sight to see and hear so many geese like that.

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

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

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  6. 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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