Barnacles flying west 29th October.
Since last recording sightings of Barnacle Geese regularly flying west along Campfield Marsh in late October - in the last few days, we have been gratified to see that they have been grazing on the saltmarshes of the Reserve at high tide and flying out onto the mudflats as it recedes.
The RSPB graze cattle from late Spring until early Autumn, to manage the saltmarshes of the Reserve for the short sward which is such the favourite food of these birds. Since the 30th October, when a large flock (including two leucistic birds) centred round Saltmarsh Pool and the area near the boundary fence, they have grazed different discrete areas along the shore.
30th October.
Flock of 2000+ on the marsh beyond Saltmarsh Pool.
More landing . . .
. . . near Saltmarsh Pool.
Two leucistic birds amongst the flock.
Barnacle close-up.
Flighting onto the mudflats - late afternoon.
On the mudflats at dusk.
2nd November.
Group of about 600 grazing near the Viaduct. They had been seen in this area now, for the last couple of days.
Some birds are ever watchful.
4th November.
About 1000 grazing near the lay-by at Biglands.
On the saltmarsh near Biglands.
In misty conditions, they flew out to the mudflats in the evening.
Today, 5th November, we awoke to the spectacle of several thousands geese on the marsh in front of West Common. Clearly small family groups were quite restless, repositioning themselves amongst the flock - but the main flock were generally seeming to be at ease, inspite of the farm vehicle activity on the road skirting the marsh. They spent whole day grazing right up to the marsh edge with occasional flights out onto the mudflats, only to fly round and come back into land - whence grazing continued. They do a lot of bickering amongst themselves, all under the watchful eye of larger and presumably older birds who keep the whole flock alerted to any approaching danger. Fascinating birds to watch!
Barnacles grazing in the mist at dawn.
Restless flight at dawn . . .
. . . out to the mudflats.
Then back to the saltmarsh.
Another sudden take-off . . .
. . . eventually all coming back to the same spot.
Flock settled down to serious grazing again at West Common.