Greylag Goose ( Anser anser )

Recently we have been seeing a few Greylag among the flocks of Canada Geese.  At one time Greylag were our only resident goose species.  We get many sorts visit during winter but until the introduction of the Canada Goose, only Greylag was resident.

Our indigenous population was reduced to those in the northwest of Scotland.  However, it is now re-establishing itself throughout the country.  Since the early 90s the numbers have been increasing and are now around 47,000 pairs.  Very like domestic Grey geese, probably because Greylags are the ancestor, wild Greylags can be distinguished by the large Orange beak and pink not orange legs.