For many of us, Scotland is our only home. Through thick and thin, heavy downpours and golden sunlight, we rarely get a chance to leave for warmer climates. The pink-footed goose, however, knows no such boundaries. 100 per cent of the Icelandic and Eastern Greenlandic population of pink-footed geese seek a warmer winter across the United Kingdom, with Scotland forming a major destination.
Every year, over half a million pink-footed geese cross the North Atlantic to spend winter in the United Kingdom. Montrose Basin, on Scotland’s North East coast, is the most popular destination in the UK for the geese, holding both international importance and SSSI status as a result of its waterbird population.
The scale of this migration event is such that last year, for the first time, Montrose Basin celebrated with the introduction of GooseFest. GooseFest is Montrose Basin’s festival that celebrates the annual autumnal arrival of pink-footed geese migrating from Iceland. Organised by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the festival drew attention to the site’s significance for the species.
The North East of Scotland forms a significantly favourable destination. Over 1 per cent of the world’s pink-footed goose population, and 18 per cent of the UK’s population, flood the banks of Montrose Basin from mid-September to late-October.
The UK winter population of pink-footed geese has been on a steady incline, with the Icelandic Goose Census 2022/23 reporting a 5.9 per cent increase since the previous year. In an increasingly unstable climate, with a growing bird flu epidemic, the thriving population is certainly cause for celebration.
Pink-footed goose populations are increasing thanks to the species’ skill in exploiting agricultural crops. As agriculture expands, so does the availability of vital food and resources for the geese.
Climate change may also play a part in this species’ apparent success, by changing environments affording them the ability to colonise new breeding grounds.
However, Montrose Basin has witnessed a steady decline in numbers at the site since 2020.
Pink-footed Goose numbers at Montrose Basin reached a record-breaking number exceeding 90,000 geese in October 2016, a number which has dropped to less than 40,000 in last year’s goose count – less than half of the geese recorded in previous years.
The population increase may seem optimistic, however the pink-footed geese continue to face threats. Bird flu, despite a lack of research and understanding in the area, can impact goose populations.
Habitat loss can also negatively impact the pink-footed geese, especially the loss of freshwater and intertidal habitats.
Despite these threats, Montrose Basin remains a stronghold for the geese. The estuary provides an excellent roosting site for geese, with stretches of sheltered open water where the birds can stay safe from predators.
As we come to the end of the pink-footed goose season for another year, the love for the species only grows. Spreading knowledge about this bird and the habitats they call home makes for greater protection and admiration as we continue into an increasingly unstable future. Scotland’s habitats must be protected.
Joanna Peaker, Montrose Basin visitor centre site manager, commented on a love for the pink-footed geese during the proceedings of GooseFest.
She told STV News that: “Scotland is home to some incredible natural wonders, but the sight and sound of all those geese taking off against the backdrop of a beautiful sunrise is hard to beat. Their arrival at the Basin is always the highlight of our year.”
There is no better place to celebrate the pink-footed goose than Montrose Basin, and last year’s arrival of GooseFest demonstrates rising awareness and appreciation of an iconic species in Scotland.
Look after the environment this summer, and keep it clean for our winter visitors for their autumnal return. Here at Brig, we are certainly looking forward to it.
Featured Image Credit: Julien Paren via Wikimedia Commons
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