The unmistakable sound of autumn has arrived at WWT Martin Mere, with thousands of pink-footed geese finally touching down after their remarkable journey from Iceland.
The first major waves of the much-loved pink-footed geese have arrived at the wetland centre in Lancashire, signalling the start of one of the most spectacular wildlife moments of the year.
On 27 September, the Martin Mere reserve team counted around 2,000 pink-footed geese flying over Martin Mere, followed by a further 1,000 the next day. Completing the first dawn count on 1 October, which consists of the reserve team coming in early to count the numbers roosting on the reserve, the team counted 2,433.
The birds have made the long journey from their breeding grounds in Iceland, escaping the harsher winter conditions and following the changing availability of food. As temperatures fall, daylight hours shorten and food becomes harder to find, these seasonal changes trigger one of nature’s most remarkable annual journeys.
For visitors to Martin Mere, the arrival of the geese brings with it a spectacular autumn wildlife experience, from the sight of huge skeins of geese overhead to the unmistakable calls filling the skies.
And with migration now well underway, visitors will have the perfect opportunity to experience this seasonal spectacle at the upcoming North West Bird Watching Festival, taking place at WWT Martin Mere on 17 and 18 October.
The weekend will celebrate the incredible variety of migratory wildlife passing through the North West, with pink-footed geese joined by other key autumn visitors including pintail, wigeon and whooper swan. Open early from 8am each day of the festival, and closing late at 7pm on the Saturday, the festival will allow visitors to see the pink-footed geese setting off
Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts will also be able to hear from experts from across the conservation and wildlife world, with named guest speakers including naturalist Lucy Lapwing, ornithologist Jack Baddams, conservationist Sacha Dench and Sony Alpha Ambassador Terry Donnelly.
There will be plenty of opportunities to get closer to the wildlife too. As part of the activity line-up, sponsored by Sony, visitors can watch live bird-ringing demonstrations at the centre’s Reedbed Walk and see migratory species at close quarters during wild bird feeds from the Discovery Hide – no binoculars required.
With thousands of geese already arriving, autumn is officially underway at Martin Mere. Find out more about the seasonal events and activities via the Martin Mere website.
