Geese and my dog

I was trying to get my labrador to be as interested in geese as I am, but he was keener on the different smells in the field. The whitefronts (and one Barnacle) were not that bothered by him, nor by me in full view only about 30 yards away.
Malcolm

Colin Bradshaw on Islay

Many thanks to Colin Bradshaw for these two fine bird photos taken during a short trip to Islay a couple of weeks ago.  Colin retired from the British Birds Rarities Committee in 2008 after a total of 19 years service, including 11 as chairman.

Greenland white-fronted goose

Redwing

Walk from Lossit to Tormisdale last December

I don't think I ever got round to posting photos from this walk with Lorna last December - I hope not anyway, otherwise I am repeating myself!
Becky

Barnacle Geese above Lossit

Greenland White-fronted Geese near Lossit

Waterfall at Tormisdale

Greenland White-fronted Geese - Anser albifrons flavirostris

Alien invasion!

Over on Jura a week ago to check on the very small (13 birds) Greenland White-fronted Goose flock north of Craighhouse, we found pairs of large Canada Geese in several places, including in the same field as the Whitefronts. Also present there were two pairs of Greylags. The latter have been steadily colonising Jura in recent years just as they have Islay. Canada Geese (introduced to Britain from North America in the 17th century and now widespread and numerous - over 200,000) have been breeding along the coast of mainland Argyll for several years (and on Colonsay), so perhaps it was only a matter of time before they crossed over to Jura. It was though a surprise to find them scattered from Ardfin to Knockrome as if there had been a small influx perhaps in the earlier hard weather. If they stay and breed, which seems very likely, it will only be a matter of time before they do the same on Islay and the farmers here will have to cope with a second resident goose which instead of migrating away in April stays to feed on the crops throughout the summer!

The photograph shows the Canadas and the Greylags in the foreground, while the five birds behind them are Greenland Whitefronts. The photograph isn't, I acknowledge, of top quality, but you should note the numerous small diagonal white streaks - it was snowing quite hard at the time!
Malcolm

Greenland White-fronted geese (Anser albifrons flavirostris)

Greenlandwhitefront.org

A couple of pictures of the other iconic Islay goose - and a link to a website that will tell you all you ever need to know...