Venus Pool - 5 Nov 23

A quick visit to the SOS Venus Pool Reserve today, during some brief sunny spells, netted a few images:

This Barnacle Goose has been present for some weeks and seems happy to be among the Greylag Geese. It is unringed but whether it is really 'wild' is open to question.

A group of Greylag Geese. The closer bird has a distinctly 'frosted' look with paler cheeks. I have no idea why.

A Greylag Goose sporting a ring. Some research, with thanks to Richard of Dee Estuary Birding for the link, tells me this was ringed as an adult at Llanwern, Gwent in June 2018. It has also been noted here at Venus Pool in 2021 and 2022.

Seen departing is an Egyptian Goose. It can easily be picked out in flight as the only goose with extensive white on both the upper- and under-wing even when the unusual facial pattern cannot be seen.

A group of Common Teal flying past a few of the many Canada Geese present.

The nearer ducks are a pair of Eurasian Wigeon, the drake with a white forewing. A trio of Common Teal below them with a Greylag Goose looking on.

 It is always good to see Lapwings. Here is one in flight.

And another.

There were many Common Snipes about. This one living up to the idea they are waders.

This one only looks to be asleep.

Not too often I manage to capture these quick-flying birds in flight. Note the often difficult to see orange tail band.

The orange in the tail is just about visible here.

A quick preen to rearrange the feathers.

(Ed Wilson)