Egyptian geese

[Manky Monkey]

One of several pairs of Egyptian geese that live on the estate where Taz works here in Guildford, Surrey. These guys pair for life, rather than just a season as some birds do, & always return to the same fields on the estate. Always nice to see them about. 

[Manky Monkey]

Snowdrops are out & the crocuses are starting to show too. Spring's on the way at last!

[mouse]

them geese are nice m8 never seen m before

[Manky Monkey]

They've been in Britain since the 18th century, but only formally added to the British bird list in 1971. Mainly found in East Anglia, in parkland with lakes. It was officially declared a pest in the UK in 2009, as were ring necked Parakeets, which we also have here. Fortunately Lord Onslow, owner of the Clandon Park estate, likes them & has instructed the game keepers & shooting parties who use the estate not to shoot 'em.

A better shot. I'd love to claim it as my own, but just pulled it from Google Images.

[mouse]

cheers for the info Andy
and I'm liking Lord Onslow

[tazet]

Yeah he's a good egg really. They are not really a pest on the estate and we only have half a dozen Parakeets. If we were over run with them then that may be another story. I like seeing them and I do keep on top of reminding him to not have them shot. It's now out of season so nothing is shot except pigeons and rats

[mouse]

i dont like the thought of anything being shot to be honest taz
i do know we have to keep vermin down