Pink-footed geese bonanza at WWT Martin Mere
Over the last couple of weeks more than 30,000 pink-footed geese have arrived at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Such large numbers, this early in the year, suggest that we could be on track to beat last year’s record number of 45,800 geese roosting at Martin Mere. The likelihood of breaking this record is strengthened by news that large numbers of the geese are waiting in Iceland and Scotland to arrive here soon.
Watch this space to see whether we beat the record.
Martin Mere’s current high number of over-wintering geese reflects the trend of the last 30 years, which has seen a huge increase in the amount of geese travelling through the North West at this time of year. The region will often get 25% of the Icelandic population of pink-feet (approximately 100,000 birds) stopping over on their migratory journeys south.
But how do they get here? Many of us will see and hear the familiar sound in the autumn of geese calling overhead in a V formation. Pink-footed geese will remain in this formation throughout the 500 mile journey from Iceland with the senior geese taking it in turns to lead the group whilst the youngsters follow. The older geese will recognize landmarks to help guide them to WWT Martin Mere and the surrounding area, both natural guides such as the Ribble Estuary and Morecambe Bay, and man-made structures such as the M6.
The geese will stay in this area for as long as they have food which is often grain on local fields. Ultimately they will move on further south to spend the winter in Norfolk, where many will seek sanctuary at WWT Welney.
The geese’s arrival at WWT Martin Mere is one of the most stunning wildlife spectacles in the UK and a much awaited event amongst wildlife fans. People can see this amazing sight by visiting WWT Martin Mere where they can look out over the Mere at the tens of thousands of geese who have made their incredible journey from Iceland to shelter at the reserve.
To learn more about the geese and to get special access to see over-wintering birds flying off at dawn and coming in to roost at dusk, come along to the North West Bird Watching Festival at Martin Mere at the end of November. For details visit wwt.org.uk/nwbwf
