Andrew Chick Ecology

A mixed flock of Pale-bellied Brents and Shelduck at Walney Channle on 7th Jan 2025.

Pale-bellied Brent Geese (Branta bernicla hrota) are a subspecies of Brent Geese known for their distinct lighter-colored bellies compared to the dark-bellied subspecies. They primarily breed in the Arctic regions and migrate southward during the winter.

Key Locations:

1. Breeding Grounds:
   • Canada’s High Arctic: Particularly in regions like Baffin Island, Ellesmere Island, and other Arctic islands.
   • Greenland: Some populations breed along the coastlines.
2. Wintering Grounds:
   • Ireland: Especially in coastal areas such as Strangford Lough and Dublin Bay, where they are commonly seen. Ireland hosts a significant proportion of the global population of Pale-bellied Brent Geese during the winter.
   • UK: Found in smaller numbers along the coasts of Northern Ireland, Wales, and western Scotland.
   • USA: On the eastern seaboard, particularly in the mid-Atlantic states like New Jersey.

These geese are migratory, undertaking long journeys between their Arctic breeding sites and their more temperate wintering areas. Their movements are closely tied to food availability, especially eelgrass and other coastal vegetation.

!5 Pale-bellied Brent Geese in the Whanley Channel

Classic feeding area for overwintering Pale-bellied Brent Geese in south Cumbria (Walney Channel).