Peterborough Bird Club
Peterborough Bird Club annual report
White-fronted Goose
Anser albifrons | A* | Rare


1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003

2003
Rare winter migrant.
All records from the Nene Washes came in the first three months of the year, with up to eight birds present during January and February; 18 there on 23 Feb (RSPB) and 13 there on 16 Mar (MW, KAF). Up to 16 birds present at Castor Meadows SSSI between 16-18 Feb (TD, KAF, BHS); presumably the same 16 birds flew over Ferry Meadows CP on 20 Feb (CP); seven birds were also at this site on 24 Jan (DG).
A skein of 15 flew over Farcet Fen on 15 Feb (SPD) and some of these birds may have been part of the flock of up to 17 birds present at Prior’s Fen GP between 16 Feb-16 Mar (SPD, MW, CM, KAF). A single bird was also at Deeping Lakes NR on 16 Mar (JJ).
There were fewer records during the second winter period, the only reports being seven at
Deeping Lakes NR on 9 Nov (KD) and a flock of seven seen regularly at Prior’s Fen GP between 15 Nov and 27 Dec (MW, BHS).

White-fronted Goose © Steve DudleyGreenland White-fronted Goose ©  Brian StoneFour present at Prior’s Fen GP between 5 Jan and 3 Apr (SPD et al) -pictured on far left - were the first of the Greenland flavirostris race for the area and only the second confirmed record for Cambridgeshire. The same four were at March Farmers on 23 Feb (MO). Towards the end of the year, single birds were at Orton BP on 8th and 31 Dec (BHS, SPD) - pictured right.



Images © Steve Dudley (L) and Brian Stone (R).

2002
No records.

2001
No records.

2000
Scarce migrant.
On the Nene Washes, six 1 Jan, 13 flying west 6 Jan and eight 13 Feb. Different singles there, 1-19 May and 2 Jun were of unknown, probably feral, origin.

1999
Scarce migrant.
At the
Nene Washes, 21 on 23 Jan and 24 on 24 Jan, possibly different groups (CBR).

1998
Scarce winter visitor.
Nene Washes:
A party of 26 arrived on 9 Jan, with only 13 present next day, then 16 to 24 Jan, feeding mainly on the north side of the reserve on the same beet field as the Pink-footed and Bean Geese, and the Bewick's and Whooper Swans. Two were seen briefly on 12 Oct and nine flew east on 31 Dec.





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