18 December 2008
 
A smashing Christmas for pink-footed geese at RSPB Snettisham reserve
 
More than 51,000 pink-footed geese are roosting on the mudflats at a nature reserve in Norfolk.  A record figure for RSPB Snettisham!
 
This Christmas is set to be the biggest ever for the pink-footed geese at the nature reserve with a third of the world’s population making their temporary home in Norfolk.
 
The majority of the geese can be found in north and west Norfolk, with the remainder in the Broads, though there is known to be movement between these areas.
 
Pink-footed geese arrive in mid September as winter visitors to the UK. The birds breed in Iceland and eastern Greenland but spend the winter in the milder climes of Lancashire, east and central Scotland and Norfolk.
 
Paul Eele, RSPB Warden said “Our last peak count was back in Jan 2006 with 49,610 birds, but we’ve smashed this record with 51,995 geese counted last week. Currently the geese appear to be feeding in the fields close to the RSPB Snettisham reserve. This probably accounts for the large number of geese roosting at the reserve this month. Things would probably be different if the food source was farther away.”
 
The geese roost out on the mudflats of The Wash at RSPB Snettisham where they feel safe. At dawn, the birds leave the roosting grounds in huge flocks filling the sky with thousands of birds.
 
Paul continued,  “The pinkies are attracted to Norfolk because of the sugar beet. The birds feed on the tops and tails of the sugar beet left in farmers’ fields. This high-energy food helps the birds remain fit and keep warm through the winter months.”
 
The RSPB is organising guided walks at RSPB Snettisham nature reserve to see thousands of pink-footed geese leaving their roost site at dawn.  ‘Iceland’s geese and a British breakfast!’ is only £6 per adult (£5 non-members). Booking is essential. Call 01485 210779 for dates and details.