Earlier this month I posted about encountering a surprise visitor on my local patch pond so here are a few more images of the Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis).
Barnacle Geese breed in the Arctic from Greenland east to the Baltic and Novaya Zemlya and move south in the winter. Those coming to Britain are mostly found on the north and west coasts.
The earliest record in Surrey (UK) is an individual that was shot near Elstead, Surrey in 1849. There have been a handful of sightings in the county since 1900 that would appear to relate to migrant birds. [Birds of Surrey - J.J.Wheatley]
The earliest record in Surrey (UK) is an individual that was shot near Elstead, Surrey in 1849. There have been a handful of sightings in the county since 1900 that would appear to relate to migrant birds. [Birds of Surrey - J.J.Wheatley]
Several populations of feral birds, derived from escapees, now exist in southern England, so it is difficult to establish whether any sighting is a true migrant as they are often seen in the company of Canada or Greylag Geese. This individual was also seen in the company of a pair of Greylag Geese.
Whatever its origins it was a delight to see when it visited the Great Pond, Epsom Common on 12th March. FAB.
Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday.
Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday.
so cute! tiny little bill!
ReplyDeleteThey have such dainty snub-nosed bills. It seems to be keeping a keen eye on you! Thanks for your nice comments on my blog. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting face it has. A beautiful bird!
ReplyDeleteExcellent shots! Congratulations Frank!
ReplyDeleteWarm greetings :-)
The Barnacle Goose is very striking and wonderful photos!
ReplyDeleteAlways lovely to see adn photograph these geese Frank.
ReplyDeleteMother creates gorgeous creatures
ReplyDeleteOnly ever seen one, and it was a holidaying guest at Attenborough reserve so doesn't count, according to proper birders! I thought it was a very handsome fellow.
ReplyDeleteThis is one beautiful goose. As with all geese, you have to wonder how they all began. I imagine Canada Geese were once domestic but now they are everywhere! Would love to see this one:)
ReplyDeleteA beautiful goose, great captures..
ReplyDeleteI do like the Barnacle Goose, feral or otherwise. A nice looking goose.
ReplyDeleteVery striking bird - love the photos!
ReplyDeleteAlways nice to see and you even got some photos. I only saw them a few times when I lived in Scotland.
ReplyDeleteIt's a gorgeous bird! Great info too.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very pretty goose.
ReplyDeleteHe's really wonderful!
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