Nearest site for winter geese (1 Viewer)

Rob_S · Jan 29, 2018

This thread should probably be elsewhere on Birdforum, but I'm asking here as most of the regular posters are Midlands-based.

Possibility of a trip out in a couple of weeks time.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the nearest reliable spot to the West Midlands to find, for example, Brent and Pink-footed Geese? As far as I'm aware, we're not overly blessed with these winter visitors beyond occasional flyovers of Pink-feet.

The location in question being blessed with a possiblity of, for example, Short-Eared Owls would be more than welcome.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

saluki · Jan 30, 2018

The Wirral? Brent can usually be seen off Red Rocks, Pinkfeet on the marsh from Parkgate to Burton Point. It's been a poor year for other species of geese - just a few Euro Whitefronts. Shorties have been a little elusive recently but there's a good chance from Denhall Quay (The Harp) or Denhall Lane. High tides this weekend so it's a good time to visit. Shorties may be possible from Parkgate Friday to Sunday if the tide pushes them off their roost. Lots of other raptors around too.

Andrew Whitehouse · Jan 30, 2018

Slimbridge is close, though it has different species of geese. The Wash/ North Norfolk may also be worth considering, although they're a bit further to travel. Plenty of geese of a variety of species in that area.

Rob_S · Jan 30, 2018

saluki said:
The Wirral? Brent can usually be seen off Red Rocks, Pinkfeet on the marsh from Parkgate to Burton Point. It's been a poor year for other species of geese - just a few Euro Whitefronts. Shorties have been a little elusive recently but there's a good chance from Denhall Quay (The Harp) or Denhall Lane. High tides this weekend so it's a good time to visit. Shorties may be possible from Parkgate Friday to Sunday if the tide pushes them off their roost. Lots of other raptors around too.

Thanks - hadn't considered going in that direction - worth looking into further.

Rob_S · Jan 30, 2018

Andrew Whitehouse said:
Slimbridge is close, though it has different species of geese. The Wash/ North Norfolk may also be worth considering, although they're a bit further to travel. Plenty of geese of a variety of species in that area.

Thanks for your suggestions.

I was at Slimbridge on Saturday, lovely day out as usual. Plenty of Barnacles, Canadas, Greylags around, and a flock of around 100 White-fronts which stubbornly refused to move one field further south so they could be seen. I located a couple in with the Greylags eventually.

I've only previously encountered Brents and Pink-feet in Norfolk and around the Wash - as you say, a good drive - just wondered whether there was anywhere closer.

zomerset · Jan 30, 2018

Hi Rob,
I always use BTO to check what's about. That's how I knew about KF location.
When: 06 Jan 2018
Where: Sutton Park (SP0996)
Who: Paul Jenkins
What: Pink-footed Goose (300)
When: 06 Jan 2018
Where: Lutley Wedge (1) (SO9483)
Who: Craig Round
What: Pink-footed Goose (60)
When: 11 Jan 2018
Where: 15 Spring Road, Smethwick (SP0089)
Who: Anonymous
What: Brent Goose (2)

Rob_S · Jan 30, 2018

Thanks for the Birdtrack info.

The large flocks of Pink-feet are all flyovers, I think.
Brent Geese in Smethwick?!

Nearest site for winter geese (1 Viewer)

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Rob_S

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Andrew Whitehouse

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