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

Update on Bean Geese in Norway

 Simon Rix has been out looking at the bean geese again yesterday and has published some nice pictures on his blog. (oslobirder.blogspot.co.com) I attach one courtesy of Simon. T8 is well known to us as Simon mentions. 

It is well worth looking at his blog to get a real flavour of birding in and around Oslo at this time of the year. You will not be disappointed.

A pictorial view of where the two flocks of bean geese are at present

 

Update of News from Norway

 Information received from Simon Rix in Norway today confirms that we have a flock of 101 Bean Geese in his area awaiting their final move to Scotland at the end of the month. 

In conjunction with the previous news from Sweden courtesy of Dan Managsbo that they have a flock of 146 birds east of Saffle and the Lake Brosjon location means that we have an approx. total of 247 bean geese ready to winter with us. 

However there is speculation that some of these birds may decide to stay across the north sea in places like Denmark. 

A few of our tagged birds are in both flocks with some juveniles already identified which is helpful at this stage as to what breeding success the birds had in their breeding areas to the north. 

Update on autumn migration

 Fresh news in and confirmed today that Tag27 has arrived on the Glomma river NE of Oslo at 1100hrs.

This is a usual stopping over spot and there will more than likely be a flock here now. Hopefully Simon Rix (oslo birder) will have picked up this information and manage out to see the beans.

Picture of Glomma River location NE of Oslo

Pic of 27 when caught last year.