Fresh Update on Taiga Bean Goose flock at Slamannan

 After the initial arrival at the end of September we have had at least one new group arriving on the plateau. 

On 25th October we had a report of 10 Taiga Bean Geese being seen at Ferry Hills near North Queensferry by a reliable birder of 10 Taiga birds flying west up the Forth. 

With the weather turning colder we may see other groups of birds arrive here from Norway or Sweden.

Roosting continues to be noted at the Fannyside Lochs ponds and a good place to listen to their calls on arrival at this area. 

The birds that have arrived are showing a different pattern of field usage during the day than previous and this may well be down to farming activities in the area. 

News update on Taiga Bean Geese at Slamannan

 Originally we thought that the first group of birds arrived on 6 October but we have deduced that this was not correct.  

Further information was gleaned and seemingly the first group of c100 birds arrived on 23rd September. 

One of our observant farmers did say to us when we were out and about that he had been hearing geese prior to our own thinking. 

Trying to get to grips with arrivals this year has been difficult due to the weather we have been getting  which has been particularly misty early in the day for almost a week. 

Roosting has been occurring at the Fannyside Muir sites and little elsewhere. We have used a night drone to good effect, thanks to Roger, one of our latest recruits to the group. 

We are planning to try and catch some more birds this winter and at present we are waiting word on whether the purchase of collars has gone ahead as hoped.

Great news today, our first flock have been seen on the Slamannan Plateau today.

 A visit today confirmed that 92 birds have arrived at one of their usual haunts on the plateau. 

They were found to the north west of Slamannan village. 

Can I remind any birders that they are a sensitive flock of birds and are easily spooked, so no entering fields for a better view or photographs. The geese are very easily spooked and remember they will see you before you see them. It up helps us too if you do not upset the farmers whose land the birds use during the winter period. You will be seen and monitored !

Please stay on minor roads in the area and view the birds from there. A telescope can be very useful for a closer look. Enjoy seeing our now rarest flock of wintering geese in the UK.