News update on bean geese flock at slamannan

 There does not seem to have been any increase in our flock size since last reported at being a maximum estimate of 126
We do know however that two of our birds that were caught at Slamannan last October (Tag 39 & 20) are still in Denmark near Thisted and are in a flock of 300 taiga bean geese. This flock includes an adult white fronted goose which was seen in Sweden at Lake Brosjon during the autumn migration period. 

As we have suspected in the past and have some evidence of it occurring some of our birds are liable to stopover in the low countries. Colder weather conditions however may make them cross over into the UK.

Attached are two pics taken this winter on the plateau.

The bean goose flock has increased in size since last post

 A visit to the plateau on 16 October confirmed that an intake of more birds had arrived in from Norway. Two flocks in different areas gave us a total of approximately 126 birds.

We still have two tagged birds 39 & 20 still in Denmark and looking like they may not return unless perhaps weather gets much colder.

Birds are present north of Oakersdyke to the north of Slamannan but not showing well due to vegetation in the field.

First flock of the winter have arrived on the Slamannan Plateau

 After several negative visits to the plateau in recent days, this morning's visit paid dividends. 

With the sun overhead, I arrived at 1045 to find a flock of bean geese in a location to the north of Slamannan.

My first quick count through my scope said 54 on my counter but after several re-counts, I was pleased to see that 75 birds were present. 

Surprisingly there no collars to be seen which was disappointing. Due to the distance involved no leg rings were identified either. 

Billy Thomson a co bean goose enthusiast who was already in the vicinity at Fannyside Lochs joined me to view the birds.

We returned after 1800 to see which direction or place they had selected to roost at, but heavy rain and poor visibility at 1915 hrs put paid to that.

Picture courtesy of Derek McGinn