We have mentioned previously that birds get affected by harsh weather such as cold temperatures which forces birds to find alternative food sources. But wind can also play a significant role in the life of birds which was witnessed on the 6th and 7th January when small flocks of pink-footed geese, totalling around 140, were seen flying over Lake Vyrnwy. This is an unusual record for the reserve and county as the majority of these geese spend the winter in Norfolk, Lancashire and Scotland with the closest large flocks being on the Wirral, including at the RSPB Burton Mere reserve.
Skein of pink-footed geese over Lake Vyrnwy by Gavin Chambers
Other locations such as the RSPB reserves of Ynys-hir and Conway had sightings of pink-footed geese, again scarce sightings for the respective areas. There was clearly a movement of these geese moving but why did they choose to pass over areas they don’t normally. A combination of cold weather, which may have encouraged birds to start looking for food elsewhere, and a strong north easterly wind will have been key factors in their movements. It appears likely that our birds came from Norfolk and were forced further west and south than their normal route while they were thinking about heading north.
We also had a flock of 17 whooper swans heading in the same westerly direction as the geese on the 7th January, which just like the geese have a distinct honking sound as they fly over which for many people is the sound of winter.
Flock of whooper swans heading over Lake Vyrnwy by Gavin Chambers
Mid-January has seen an increase in siskin numbers on our feeding station outside the Coed y Capel hide with up to 30 birds present at times. They are mixed in with a few goldfinch, plenty of chaffinch, the common tit species along with flying visits from the occasional marsh tit. It’s not long now until the Big Garden Birdwatch which is being held on 27-29th January, so why not sign up to help us understand the state of garden birds across the country, details here, and/or visit Lake Vyrnwy for some garden bird activities on 27th January, details here.
Male siskins
The pink-footed geese became my 68th species for this winter and my 135th species to be seen on the reserve since starting to work here in 2013 and best of all a new reserve record!
Gavin Chambers, Assistant Warden
Upcoming event: Forest Bathing is back with another session at Lake Vyrnwy on Saturday 20th January. If you’re looking for tranquillity or stress relief why not join us! Details here and booking is essential.
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