A flock of over 16,500 pink-footed geese has now arrived in Angus, to take up a seasonal stay at the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s (SWT) Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve.  

Arriving over the course of September, some of the migrating flock will remain on the basin for only a few weeks to rest and refuel before continuing their journey south to the warmer winter climates of Greenland and Iceland.  Most of the geese will stay on the reserve until March.     

To celebrate the arrival of the geese, visitors can experience the dramatic sights and sounds of a morning flight by joining the “Goose breakfast”, to be held this Sunday (5 October) at SWT’s Visitor Centre from 6.30 am to 8.45 am.     

Upwards of 250,000 geese fly back and forth with the changing seasons with each group having their preferred nesting and wintering sites. Montrose remains a firm favourite, with geese returning to the area each year, and numbers in this location are expected to peak at over 30,000 this season.     

The “Goose breakfast” is a chance to join SWT Reserve Manager, Neil Mitchell and Angus Council Ranger Richard Averiss at dawn for a birds-eye view of the geese first-hand.

After enjoying the spectacle of thousands of geese taking off above the Montrose skyline, visitors can enjoy a light breakfast at the Visitors Centre.

Neil Mitchell, Reserve Manager, said:  “The “Goose breakfast” really is an event not to be missed, as the opportunity to see so many geese gather in one area only comes around twice every year.

“Witnessing the flock take flight really is an iconic sight, as the geese call out to each other while rising up to settle into the classic dark ‘V’ formation (known as a skein).  The birds then head off for breakfast in the outlying arable lands. 

“With the geese already in residence and visible in the basin, this year’s event is set to be one of our best yet.”

To take part in the “Goose breakfast” this Sunday (5 October), call the SWT’s Montrose Basin Visitor Centre on 01674 676336 to reserve a place.  Advanced booking for this popular event is strongly recommended.

***ENDS***

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The image attached is for free use in conjunction with this story and must be credited to “Scottish Wildlife Trust”.

2. The “Goose breakfast” takes place on Sunday 5 October from 6.30 am–8.45 am (approx). Leaving from Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre (MBWC), the event is free to all although a light breakfast is available at the centre in return for a small payment. Visitors are advised to wear warm clothing including wellies or boots.  Booking is essential. For further information and to book a place, telephone MBWC on 01674 676 336.

3. Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre is on the A92 Montrose to Arbroath road just one mile south of Montrose. Follow the brown signs to Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre. Free parking. Admission is £3.00 for adults (concession £2.00), SWT members and children FREE. Groups of 10 or more £1.50 per person (£1.00 for concessions). Open daily, 15 March–15 November from 10.30 am– 5.00 pm and from 16 November –14 March (Friday–Sunday only) from 10.30 am– 4.00 pm The visitor centre is closed on 25 and 26 December and 1 and 2 January

4. Facilities at the centre include: Interactive displays for all ages, bird-viewing areas and a gift shop offering light refreshments. Toilets and disabled access is also available. Free parking. For more information visit www.swt.org.uk

5. SWT receives financial assistance and support from Scottish Natural Heritage.
6. SWT is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 31,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. SWT seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages over 120 reserves Scotland-wide.

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Nicola McGovern, PR Officer, SWT
Tel: 0131 312 4742

Clara Govier, Communications Manager, SWT
Tel: 0131 312 4747