Following a migration of up to 1200 miles, pink-footed geese are once again arriving at Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve in Angus. Staff at the Trust’s Visitor Centre, which has a superb view across the Basin, spotted the first geese landing on the mudflats on Tuesday 13 September. Numbers have already risen from 200 to 7,200, with numbers likely to peak in early to mid-October.

Last year, over 72,350 geese were counted at the tidal mudflat on 16 October.

This mass-migration of hundreds of thousands of geese from Greenland and Iceland to Britain is a spectacle worth taking the time to enjoy.

Visitor Centre Assistant Manager, Joanna Peaker, said: “It’s so exciting each autumn to witness the slow but steady increase of pink-footed geese arriving in September, with numbers likely to swell over the coming weeks.

“I would encourage everyone to take some time out and watch this key autumnal event. The sound of so many pink-footed geese on the reserve is truly breathtaking and for me marks the start of autumn.

“Pink-footed geese are best spotted on Montrose Basin at dawn and dusk. We also have our live Online Goose Watch on Sunday 25 September to share this seasonal spectacle with anyone who is unable to visit the reserve.”

A wide range of events are being organised by staff thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery to encourage more people to get outdoors this autumn and connect with nature.

The visitor centre will be open until 7pm for the following weekends in October: 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 22 & 23. There is free entry for Scottish Wildlife Trust members.

Find out more about Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve and pink-footed geese.