Over the last few weeks we have witnessed the first arrivals of Pink-footed Geese into the UK, with several skeins also moving through the Lower Derwent Valley NNR as they began to arrive in the country from their Icelandic and Greenland breeding grounds. Flocks of these migrating geese often fly high and produce an excited medley of high-pitched honking calls, (sometimes likened to yapping dogs), and being particularly vocal in flight makes them a sight and sound so indicative of autumn. Birds will continue to arrive and increase in number as we head into October – so one to watch out and listen for.
Around 550,000 Pink-footed Geese winter in the UK each year, with large concentrations in Scotland, around the Wash and in the north-west, particularly Martin Mere WWT. Flocks passing through the reserve at this time of year are all heading south-east and are probably on passage to the Wash or Humber Estuary. Birds then return north-west again in January and February as they start to return to the north-west coasts before making the spring migration back to their breeding grounds. Small numbers sometimes remain throughout the winter and join up with the larger semi-resident Greylag flocks, although there has been a tendency in recent years for larger wintering flocks to linger, perhaps involving 1,000-5,000 birds.
Pink-footed Geese can be separated from the similar Greylag Goose quite easily – look for a small, dainty, dark chocolate brown head and a small dark bill with a band of pink (if seen well) – also take note of the pink legs as opposed to the more orangey-pink of the larger/greyer Greylag. No doubt more flocks will follow over the next few weeks so please do let us know if you see (or hear) any.
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