Tuesday 16 October 2012

Red Breasted Goose at Seasalter

With news breaking a few days ago of a Red Breasted Goose at Seasalter, a potential new Kent species for me, I made a visit along the coast to Seasalter tonight to see if I could connect. I have never really had a chance to see this species in Kent in the wild and the ones that have turned up have normally been deemed as escapes. However this bird surely must stand a chance of being wild as it seems to have arrived in with a few thousand Brent Geese. Having parked up at the Sportsman pub I walked west for a good mile and a half where I met Martyn Wilson who was already watching the bird. I was put straight on to the Red breasted Goose but at the time it was quite distant but stood out well in the evening sun. After a chat Martyn left and I spent some time with Phil Smith photographing this new Kent Mega for me. Eventually the Goose started to come nearer and keeping low beneath the seawall I was able to get a few images of this smart Goose. In the end it was feeding c60 yards away and I was able to get pleasing views through the binoculars and appreciate its colourful plumage. The Brents occasionally gave it a hard time but it carried on feeding happily. With a new bird and a few shots I made my way back to the car noting a few Bearded Tit, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 3 Little Egrets and lots of Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Redshank and Golden Plover. Whatever its credentials a smart bird and one I suggest you go and see if you can.


Red Breasted Goose

11 comments:

  1. It certainly is nice to visit them, apart from Red-breasted Goose, there Brents Goose, beautiful photos as well.

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  2. Fantastic pictures...... well done Marc.

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  3. A 'WOW' Goose this one Marc, and the photos are 'WOW' too....Great stuff.

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  4. What a striking goose! The plumage is wonderful! Nothing like that here.

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  5. Seems like a trip out is called for tomorrow hoping the bird stays after tonights predicted heavy rain. Some great photos Marc worth the trek.

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  6. Beautiful and teaching, I love your work!

    Greetings

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  7. I had a RB Goose here a few months back Marc............feral of course :-)

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  8. Always nice to see RB goose in the wild whatever the origins Marc. Nice pictures.

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  9. Nice photos Marc, as Warren says one has been around West Kent for a couple of years. It escaped as a juv from a small pond just outside Paddock Wood but it's three siblings stayed put for an easy life! Only the adult female bore a very small ring (which the owners weren't even aware of!) but the Seasalter bird is as good as they get so whack it on!! It could even the bird which wintered in Devon/Dorset last year and that was accepted as wild. Fingers crossed.

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