Bean Geese at Slamannan

Many people come to look at the bean goose flock but perhaps do not realise that the beak patterns of our birds are varied in colour.

Most field guides show only a general pattern but it is more variable than generally thought

There are 4 different patterns of orange and black and also 4 different amounts of white around the face. That means 16 different overall patterns.

I attach a few pictures taken this past week courtesy of Kris Gibb which shows clearly these differences.

I will speak more about this later.

Bean Geese news from a misty Slamannan

Birds difficult to find today and only located at roosting time. One large group of c130 birds flew onto the ice covered East Fannyside Loch around 1700 and another group of c50 were seen on one of the ponds on Darnrig Moss.

Attached some pics taken yesterday courtesy of John Nadin.

News Update for 30 December 2017

The harsh weather conditions have seen a fair amount of snow lying on the plateau but as ever the bean geese manage to forage for food successfully.

Some years ago around this time we used to 'lose' sight of almost half the flock but this is not happening now with the bulk of the birds staying together within one mile of Slamannan town centre.

Roosting is occurring in several places to the west, north and east of Slamannan but in areas known to the bean goose team.

We still have two European whitefronts within the flock and recently up to 30 Pinkfeet.

I attach a picture of the flock taken last week not far from Slamannan. Can you spot them?

News Update 18 December 2017

The bean geese continue to feed in and around the township of Slamannan. They are ranging during the day from Strathavon Farm in the east to Threiprig/Shortrig in the west.

There are a few Pinkfeet within the flock and the two european whitefronts can still be seen on occasions.

Care should be taken on the minor roads in the area as low temperatures are creating some icy conditions.

Some roosting is again taking place at the Fannyside Lochs area.

26 November 2017 Update on Bean Goose flock

Winter weather at freezing temperatures are now prevalent on the Slamannan Plateau.

It is having no effect on the geese and they continue to feed away quite contented if left undisturbed.

Had a nice visit today to Slamannan and within a mile of the village I found two large flocks comprising 214 birds. Two european whitefronts are still around and an addition to the area are nine Canada Geese feeding near but separate from one of the bean goose flocks.

Another species that do not normally spend the winter in the area is a flock of Lapwing numbering c40 birds.

No signs this winter so far of any wintering Hen Harriers, Merlin or Peregrine.

Update 2 November 2017

The Bean Geese have moved their daytime feeding slightly north of recent sightings near Oakersdyke.

The flock size we have been seeing recently has been c150 birds but I am sure there are more out there to be found.

I enclose some pictures recently of the flock near Parkhead Farm.

Update 22 October 2017

Dear Bean Goose watchers

There has been no change in the general location of the bean goose flock during daylight hours.

They are continuing to use fields north west of Slamannan on the minor road which runs past Oakersdyke Farm, Parkhead.

They are using a field full of long vegetation and are extremely difficult to see and count.

Note: Please do not enter fields to try and get nearer the geese as we are beholding to local farmers for allowing the geese to feed where they do.

A good plan is to stay in your car and use it as a hide, bean geese are extremely wary and will see you before you see them.

Please follow the country and birdwatchers code of conduct