What is the current view/position in terms of Snow Geese records in Britain?
I ask in light of the four birds currently on Teesside. Thus far, the behaviour of these birds seems consistent with them being truly wild birds - they haven't disgraced themselves, and feed apart from the Greylags and Canada's in a tight group.
Escapes? Four together - unlikely - must be a big hole in the fence, and from where?
Feral breeders? - Again, from where - what population of feral Snow Geese can see a reduction in numbers of four, without any birders seeing this, and if such a population can see four depart under the radar, then should this bring Cat. C into the equation?
I'm not sure if the Scottish population is still going - no-one mentions them.
The situation just feels a bit confusing for this species in Britain - thoughts?
I ask in light of the four birds currently on Teesside. Thus far, the behaviour of these birds seems consistent with them being truly wild birds - they haven't disgraced themselves, and feed apart from the Greylags and Canada's in a tight group.
Escapes? Four together - unlikely - must be a big hole in the fence, and from where?
Feral breeders? - Again, from where - what population of feral Snow Geese can see a reduction in numbers of four, without any birders seeing this, and if such a population can see four depart under the radar, then should this bring Cat. C into the equation?
I'm not sure if the Scottish population is still going - no-one mentions them.
The situation just feels a bit confusing for this species in Britain - thoughts?