swan geese (1 Viewer)

[sarahlouise84]

Hi

My non-birding friend told me she had seen unusual geese on Exeter Quay a few weeks ago. After looking at images online she identified them as swan geese. Having visited yesterday she was correct. There are 2 swan geese hanging out with the other geese on the quay. They seem perfectly calm around people (i got within a couple of meters without them even looking up from the grass). I looked for rings but neither had any. I assume these are escaped captives? but just thought I'd get a second opinion as I'm not sure where they might have come from. Are there any collections containing swan geese? I have only seen them at slimbridge and I believe they usually ring their birds. Is there any chance these are wild? (optimistic)

Thanks

 

[sarahlouise84]

p.s. I have previously (last year) seen a black swan and cygnet on the estuary which I assume originated in Dawlish and bar headed geese in cockwood ( I assume feral?)

 

[The Kerreran]

Hi Sarah,
I'm afraid the Swan Geese, Black Swans, and Bar-headed Geese you see around are all either escapes or descended from escapes [though it would be nice to think a Bar-head took a wrong turn over the Himalaya and ended up here! ].

 

[sarahlouise84]

Thanks I thought that would be the case but just wanted to be sure.