A survey of the feral population of Barnacle Geese in Speyside last year on the 11th June revealed ten pairs breeding at Cromdale. Five pairs had 20 young in total in a creche, and one pair had a nest with eggs. Four pairs were not breeding or were failed breeders and there was a single non-breeder.
At the other population at the Highland Wildlife Park on the 18th June there were 27 pairs present. 7 pairs with eggs, 1 pair with 3 young and 19 pairs which were either non-breeding or failed breeders. There were 3 singles.
Photos below show one a female incubating on a nest trying to look unobtrusive, a a nest with five eggs and a creche with a mixture of broods.
Written by Peter Stronach
At the other population at the Highland Wildlife Park on the 18th June there were 27 pairs present. 7 pairs with eggs, 1 pair with 3 young and 19 pairs which were either non-breeding or failed breeders. There were 3 singles.
Photos below show one a female incubating on a nest trying to look unobtrusive, a a nest with five eggs and a creche with a mixture of broods.
Written by Peter Stronach