A record number of pink-footed geese have now arrived at the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve and Visitor Centre, it was announced today (Friday 1 October) after staff and volunteers returned from their daily morning goose count on the reserve.
Having flown over 1200 kilometres from their breeding grounds in Iceland, over 65,000 geese can now be seen at Montrose Basin where they come into roost at night. This is the largest population of wintering geese to ever have been recorded on the Scottish Wildlife Trust Wildlife Reserve, which has been operating since 1976.
The first geese were spotted arriving in mid-September, and numbers have continued to increase from an initial sighting of 40 to this record breaking total. Staff were expecting around 50,000 to arrive, in line with last year’s figures, however today’s count is said to have surprised and excited the Scottish Wildlife Trust staff who watch over the geese.
Adam McClure, Montrose Basin Ranger, said: “The news from today’s goose count shows we now have over 65,000 geese at Montrose Basin this year is absolutely exceptional.
“Geese usually return to the same wintering grounds each year when they migrate from Iceland to spend the winter months in Britain’s milder winter climate. However we have seen our numbers at Montrose Basin gradually increasing for the last few years. One possible explanation for this is increased food availability on agricultural land means that geese can live in larger numbers and still be able to feed right through the winter
“This is truly one of the best wildlife spectacles in Britain and it is a sight which should not be missed. The geese will be with us until March and I would urge people from across Scotland to make sure they plan a visit to Montrose Basin before the geese leave again next year.”
The Scottish Wildlife Trust is running two goose breakfasts at Montrose Basin Visitor Centre this year, on 3 and 17 October from 6:30 am, which includes an early morning visit to the reserve with wildlife rangers to enjoy the spectacular sight of our geese taking off to feed in nearby fields, followed by a hearty breakfast in the Visitor Centre. Booking is essential for these popular events.
Montrose Basin is an internationally important site for wintering pink-footed geese as well as many other wildfowl and waders and the Visitor Centre is a premiere spot for wildlife watchers and bird lovers to experience this fantastic reserve. The reserve offers visitors the chance to enjoy some of the best close-up views of pink-footed geese in the UK.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Montrose Basin Visitor Centre on 01674 676336
Nicola McGovern, Scottish Wildlife Trust’s PR and Communications Manager
Tel: 0131 312 4742; Mob: 07790 608 264 or email: nmcgovern@swt.org.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. Press will be notified with a press release and photocall opportunity when the geese population at Montrose Basin reaches its peak. Montrose Basin welcomes filming opportunities for stories relating to geese migration or wading birds. Please contact the PR office with requests.
2. The image attached is free for use in conjunction with this story but must be credited to “Scottish Wildlife Trust”.
3. The Goose Breakfasts will take place on 3 and 17 October from 6.30 am until 9.15 am. Please meet at the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Montrose Basin Visitor Centre at Rossie Braes.
4. Advance booking is essential for this very popular event! Tickets at £7.00 per person. To book your place, please call the visitor centre on 01674 676336
5. Please remember to wear warm outdoor clothing.
6. Montrose Basin Visitor Centre can be found on the A92 Montrose to Arbroath road just one mile south of Montrose. Follow the brown signs from the centre of Montrose (OS Sheets 54 – grid ref. NO 700 564). For more information visit www.swt.org.uk
7. The Scottish Wildlife Trust is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 35,000 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.
8. The Scottish Wildlife Trust receives financial assistance and support from a number of organisations including People’s Postcode Lottery and Scottish Natural Heritage.