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With the forecast for sunny intervals and a few hours spare, the day before yesterday was all about the geese. A significant influx pushed out of the near continent due to the extended period of harsh conditions has seen mixed flocks scattered across the North Yorkshire countryside, and my vague target was to see all six possible species on my circuit (but with Tundra Beans & White-fronts at the top of the list).
Success, I'm happy to report, and great views in several pleasantly undisturbed spots.... first up, a drive along Marishes Lane, about a half hour north-east of home, and a substantial flock of Pink-feet in a roadside field; a relaxed scan revealed several Barnacles and double figure of Russian White-fronts within their number.
From there, another half-hour or so north to Harwood Dale Lake. Approaching from the south, I got lucky, and parked up on the hill overlooking the farmland to the south of the lake itself - lucky because the most of the geese were feeding here, and the light was perfect. A bit of patience revealed no fewer than seven Tundra Bean Geese, 68 Russian White-fronts, a single Pink, and plenty of Greylags and Canadas. A full house, in ideal conditions.
A brief stop at Wykeham Lakes on the way home was also successful - the redhead Smew and two Scaup reported recently were all present and correct.
Pick out the seven Tundra Beans in these photos...
