Record-breaking goose numbers at Montrose Basin

Having flown more than 1200 kilometres from their breeding grounds in Iceland, over 65,000 geese can now be seen at Montrose Basin as they come in to roost. This is the largest flock of wintering geese recorded on the Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve, which has been operating since 1976.

The first geese were seen arriving in mid-September, and numbers continued to increase from an initial count of 40 to this record-breaking total. Staff were expecting around 50,000 to arrive, in line with last year's figure; however, this weekend's count has surprised and excited Scottish Wildlife Trust staff.

Pink-footed Geese at Montrose Basin. (Photo: Scottish Wildlife Trust)

Adam McClure, Montrose Basin Ranger, said: "The news from this weekend's goose count shows we now have over 65,000 geese at Montrose Basin, which is absolutely exceptional. Geese usually return to the same wintering grounds each year, migrating from Iceland to spend the winter months in Britain's milder winter climate. However we have seen our numbers at Montrose Basin gradually increasing over the last few years. One possible explanation for this is increased food availability on agricultural land that means the geese can live in larger numbers and still be able to feed right through the winter. This is truly one of the best wildlife spectacles in Britain and is a sight which should not be missed. The geese will be with us until March and I would urge people from across Scotland to make sure they plan a visit to Montrose Basin before the geese leave again next year."

The Scottish Wildlife Trust will be running a goose breakfast at Montrose Basin Visitor Centre on 17th October from 06:30, which includes an early-morning visit to the reserve with wildlife rangers to enjoy the spectacular sight of our geese taking off to feed in nearby fields, followed by breakfast in the Visitor Centre. Booking is essential for this popular event.

Montrose Basin is an internationally important site for wintering Pink-footed Geese as well as many other wildfowl and waders and the Visitor Centre is a premier spot for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers to experience this fantastic reserve. The reserve offers visitors the chance to enjoy some of the best close-up views of Pink-footed Geese in the UK.