The latest census data for the Greenland white-fronted goose has been published, based on counts made by wildfowlers and other birdwatchers at its wintering sites in Ireland and Britain.
Birds were found at two sites in Wales. Up to 55 birds were counted from October 2012 to April 2013 on the Dyfi estuary, where wildfowlers have protected the returning geese for four decades. Four birds were counted in November 2012 on Marloes Mere, a nature reserve managed by the National Trust on the Pembrokeshire peninsula.
The results reveal that the global population in spring 2013 was 22,156, down 1% on the previous year. There were recorded declines of 9% at Wexford, 8% in the rest of Ireland and 6% in Britain (excluding Islay in Scotland). Numbers on Islay increased by a remarkable 27%. Breeding success based on the proportion of juveniles found in family groups at their wintering sites was yet again very low at only 5% for sites in Ireland and 10% for sites in Britain.
Click here for the latest census report
Have you seen any geese in Wales?
Geese have started to arrive back at the Dyfi estuary, their main wintering ground in Wales. Local wildfowlers first spotted 12 geese on the estuary on the 25th October. A further report of 37 birds was recorded on 16th November.
A Facebook page has recently been set up by the Greenland White-fronted Goose Study, an independent organisation dedicated to the study and conservation of these geese. The webpage is a great way of learning more about the birds and sharing your sightings. Sightings of birds in Wales would be especially welcome.
Click here to share your sightings on Facebook
Click here to email your sightings directly to BASC