Psilos
Wildfowl Photography |
Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) |
This is one of my favourite native
UK geese. It is seen as a winter migrant on Saltmarshes, lowland fields
near coasts, and offshore islands with suitable grassland. They are
found in large numbers mainly in Scotland but a smaller number do come
further south. They are quite a bit smaller than the Canada Goose and
have an overall grey appearance rather than a brown one. |
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Last summer 2004 at Martinmere the pair
above failed to produce any goslings. This summer I watched the pair
mate and then a few weeks later was delighted to find the female sitting
on a nest with the male closely guarding her. (photo below) I am looking
forward to seeing any goslings they might have. |
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After the incubation period was over the
eggs hatched and two goslings were produced. These goslings were doing
very well until they reached about 7 days old (photo below) Then they
were viciously attacked by an adult whooper swan. The swan chased the
adults and the goslings into thick undergrowth where he crashed around
after them for over 10 minutes much to the adults distress. I sat for
a long time waiting for the adults to come out but they never did and
I never saw the goslings alive again. This is the second year this pair
have failed to rear any goslings to maturity. |
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The photo below shows a flock of Barnacle
geese and one Red breasted goose (far right) flying across at Martinmere
November 25th 2005. |
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