Independent Ecologist undertaking ecological surveys on a wide range of habitats in the Lake District.

Published by

Andrew Chick

I spotted a striking hybrid goose at Caerlaverock WWT (Solway) today among 500+ Barnacle Geese. Similar in size/structure to a Barnacle Goose but with pink legs, pink bill, and dark back/flanks. Initial thoughts on parentage: either Blue-phase Lesser Snow Goose x Barnacle or Ross’s Goose x Barnacle.

Looking at https://colinsfieldnotes.blogspot.com/2021/11/apparent-rosss-goose-x-barnacle-hybrid.html this could be the same bird!

It raises the question: Is this bird the result of a wild pairing, or were one or both parents feral or escapees from a collection? It’s unringed and mixing with vast flocks of wild geese (c. 15,000 across the site). Barnacle Geese wintering on the Solway breed in Svalbard, while Ross’s and Lesser Snow Geese hail from North America…. So, I suspect it’s jumped a fence and now living the life!

Andrew Chick

For over 20 years, I have worked as an Independent Ecologist and Protected Species Surveyor, conducting ecological surveys across a diverse range of habitats. My experience spans a variety of projects, including Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs) for SPAs, SACs, and RAMSAR sites, as well as work on wind turbines (both small and large), solar parks, pipelines, and road schemes. I am based in Cumbria and I have extensive expertise in bird and bat survey methodologies, ensuring thorough and accurate assessments for every project.

Latest Blog Posts……