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Email: chris@gcwweb.com
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Geese - Greylag Geese- Western Isles Birds
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| Greylag Goose and its goslings Isle of Harris - May 2009 |
(Click Image for Larger Pictures) |
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Greylag Geese - Scarista
Ref:gr2001 |
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Greylag Goose - Isle of Harris
Ref:gr2002 |
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Pair Greylag Geese and Gosling
Ref:gr2003 |
This greylag geese - the largest of the bulkiest of the wild geese was near scarista - Isle of Harris. These birds are often in pairs and a pair can live for up to 22 Years. |
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This bird - the greylag goose in a beautiful setting on The Isle of Harris. These birds are ancestors or the domestic goose and can be seen just about anywhere in The Isle of Harris and Lewis |
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This lovely tranquil scene of a pair of greylag geese and their tiny gosling was shot at the top of Garry Beach, Tolsta - Western Isles. The pair really are staying close to their offspring. |
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Greylag Gosling - Isle of Lewis
Ref:gr2004 |
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Greylag Geese - Garry
Ref:gr2005 |
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Greylag Geese - Garry - Western Isles
Ref:gr2000 |
These cheeky gosling was actually sitting waiting to be photographed. Its parents were very close by watching its every move. The have a call that is similar to a farmyard goose. |
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These adult geese here was really looking after this little gosling. Greylags are sociable birds The greylag is the largest member of the goose family to be seen in The Outer Hebrides. |
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These adult geese here was really looking after this little gosling. Greylags are sociable birds The greylag is the largest member of the goose family to be seen in The Outer Hebrides. |
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Greylag Goose
Ref:gr2007 |
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Greylag Geese Goslings
Ref:gr2006 |
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Greylag Geese Goslings
Ref:gr2008 |
This lovely proud looking parent was leading its family of goslings - pic ref gr2006 Isle of Harris may 2009 |
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These delightful goslings were part of a greylag family we saw on The Isle of Harris just past Leverburgh May 2009 |
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These delightful goslings and parent were seen just off the Golden Road - Isle of Harris - Hebrides. |
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Greylag Geese Gosling
Ref:gr2010 |
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Greylag Geese Gosling - Garry
Ref:gr2009 |
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Greylag Geese - Harris
Ref:gr2900 |
The little gosling followed its parent a distance behind just along the golden road a little way - June 2009 |
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The little gosling stretched its wings whilst the parent swam ahead - the father was a little way behind watching carefully - Garry - Western Isles |
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This pair of greylags were seen near Leverburgh - Isle of Harris |
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Greylag Geese Goslings - Garry
Ref:gr2065 |
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Greylag Goslings - Garry
Ref:gr2062 |
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Greylag Geese Goslings - Garry
Ref:gr2060 |
A pair of greylags with their goslings at Garry. |
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The large picture shows a few of the goslings |
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A couple of greylags with their goslings at Garry. |
| Bird Overview - Greylag Geese |
Family |
Swans, Geese ,Ducks |
Latin name |
Anser anser |
Population |
Common |
Similar Species |
All other grey geese |
Description |
This beautiful looking goose is actually the ancestor of most domestic geese. It is a really large bird with an ungainly gait. They are resident breeders in The Western Isles although there are also Scandinavian greylag geese which also breed here - but are just passing through. It has a pink bill and a pale forewing in flight. This goose has a wide neck with a very bulky body. Its feet and legs are oink
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Size |
82cm - wingspan 164cm
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Habitat |
These birds can be seen on sea coasts, moorlands, fields and rivers. The birds in the Western Isles breed in varied places - sand dunes, shingle banks also frequently inland on moorland
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Food |
The majority of birds feed on agricultural land: They have been recorded eating turnips, kale, beans, carrots and newly sown grain.
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Voice |
Loud honking call.
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Breeding |
The greylag geese build their nests in a variety of places including hollows on the land or on floating vegetation in the water. They often have a brood of six or more goslings- sometimes as many as twelve. They breed Apr to July and incubation is . 28-29days and the young fledge at 8 weeks |
Misc. Info |
It is believed that climate change may be a contributory factor to the large increase in the numbers of geese which are fast becoming a problem to farmers and crofters. The name greylag is explained in many ways - some say the 'lag' refers to it lagging behind on migration -(for those that pass through the Western Isles) or alternatively that 'lag' is and ancient name for goose |
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| Should you have any queries or comments in connection with the information I have given in relation to the birds ( all comments or assistance welcome as I am only a novice bird spotter) - please email chris@gcwweb.com |
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