One of Scotland’s most spectacular autumn migrations is well under way, as thousands of pink-footed geese have so far arrived at the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve.

The geese, which migrate from Iceland every year, were first recorded on Sunday 8 September when Trust staff spotted 15 individuals flying towards the reserve. Since then, their numbers have steadily grown, and as of Sunday 29 September there were 40,000 on the site. Numbers are expected to peak around mid-October before thousands of geese continue their migration south.

Joanna Peaker, Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Visitor Centre Manager at Montrose Basin, said: “There’s always a buzz of excitement around the visitor centre at this time of year, as we eagerly await the arrival of the pink-footed geese. Then once the first birds arrive it just gets better and better as numbers continue to build.

“Last year’s peak was about 45,000 geese on 15 October, so we’re hoping to at least match that over the coming weeks. We’re certainly off to a good start!”

Staff and volunteers at Montrose Basin, who are supported thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, will be running a series of events on the reserve over the coming weeks. The reserve visitor centre will also be open later on selected dates in October, giving more visitors an opportunity to see the pink-footed geese when they are most active at dusk.

Joanna added: “It’s always an absolute pleasure sharing this incredible experience with our visitors – we very much welcome the extra eyes in helping us count all these geese!

“The sights and sounds of tens of thousands of geese against the backdrop of a setting sun is an experience never to be forgotten. Pop along for an evening and enjoy one of Scotland’s most magnificent natural spectacles.”

Scotland and the rest of the UK are globally important for pink-footed geese. They breed in Iceland and Greenland, however around 90% of the world’s population spend the winter months on our shores. The highest number ever recorded at Montrose Basin was 90,000 in 2016, with the population regularly topping 70,000 in the years since.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “This annual event not only highlights the importance of Scotland’s landscapes for wildlife but also provides a wonderful opportunity for people to connect with nature. We’re delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery continue to support Scottish Wildlife Trust as they help share this stunning experience with the public.”

To find out more about the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s pink-footed goose events, visit our events page.