New update on spring migration of Tag 39

Just when we thought we had seen it all this bird has surprised us by heading off further north into south Sweden (Saffle) which is a staging post for part of the Slamannan flock.

Interestingly too we have had information from this area from someone known to our group that it was the first time in his memory that there was no snow on the ground at that location in January and temperatures so far above 0 deg celcius. Climate change indeed.

Tag20 remains where it landed further south in Denmark on 6th January (map Below)

New Update now on UCOL39.

It is perhaps no surprise that the presumed mate of Whit20 has now appeared further north at Pandrup the usual staging post for our flock when they depart Slamannan in the 2nd week of Feburary in recent years.

Possibly they left together on or around 8th Jan but became separated and Tag39 was not giving off information at that time. Perhaps we will be able to examine the fine detail later.

Another fascinating insight into the migration of our bean geese.

New map below showing the two birds and their positions in northern Denmark.

Fresh news on one of our recently caught birds. Whit20

On checking our tracking data at lunchtime today I find that Whit20 has taken itself (and perhaps some pals to Denmark) it is recorded at 0100hrs today and then at 0700hrs. It is showing to the west of lake 'Alvand' in a national park area. Map below.

Good news from Slamannan

On Friday 24th after a wait of many hours a small team managed to catch 5 bean geese. We have not managed any catches the last two years so this was a good team effort.

We are indebted to Derek Hunter and family at Luckenburn Farm for their cooperation in allowing us access to their fields.

We caught 3 adult males and two adult females.

All birds are in good health after being caught and transmitters now sending back location information.

Tag numbers are as follows: 18, 20, 24, 27 and 39

In addition to collars all birds have small white tags on their right legs to help with identification

The catch team l to R : Carl Mitchell, Larry Griffin, Richard Moore and self taking the picture.

Bean Goose Update

Nothing in particular to report other than a roost count near Slamannan yesterday confirmed that we have c200 birds in the area.

A flock of up to 100 Pinkfeet have found the wheat field at Hillend Farm next to the River Avon. The crop has only been partially cropped leaving plenty of food for geese. Flooding in the field too has made it difficult for the farmer to harvest.

No sign yet on the plateau of wintering thrushes (Fieldfare & Redwing)

Tag30 above 

Tag30 is still an active tag and reports several times a day on its location. It was an adult female when caught in 2015 and still gives us very good information on a daily basis on its whereabouts.

Fresh Update on the Slamannan flock

Their has been an increase in recent days with approx 200 birds now on the plateau.

Feeding so far has mainly concentrated near to Slamannan with odd forays to Beam Farm.

Note:

Can I remind birders not to enter fields or irritate farmers by blocking roads near farm steadings. At Luckenburn Farm please do not park in the main track to the farm. So far this winter the geese have not been seen at Luckenburn.

Your help in these matters are appreciated.

News update on Autumn Migration 2019

Tag30 and probably a flock arrived in Co Durham at 0100 this morning and promptly reoriented themselves to fly to Slamannan by 1600 hrs. Flight maps below: Unbelievable migration flight.