The first day of the International Count of Greenland White-fronted Geese, although all other goose species are counted at the same time. As mentioned on previous occasions the Greenland sub-species of White-fronted Goose comprises a discrete population, such that it is treated , in simple conservation terms, as being a separate species in its own right. The population has certainly reduced in recent years, and concerns expressed, hence the interest in its numbers and the surveys carried out each winter.
Whilst the weather was in sharp contrast to yesterday, a rather more normal winter's day, count conditions were favourable. A couple of Pink-footed Geese was present with Barnacle Geese and Grey lag Geese near Gartmain as were a pair of Light-bellied Brent Geese in a large gathering of Barnacle Geese at Springbank. Otherwise little else was noted.
Birding on the way home saw a surprise encounter with the Little Egret at the head of Loch Indaal. Whilst I was stationary, its sudden appearance 30m. away caught both of us by surprise( they've actually quite a fierce gaze! ). Eventually it moved even closer and fed within 20m with no apparent concern . Tremendous.
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