As with all reports of rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective rarities committees

The English name of the Barnacle Goose the scientific name of the Brent Goose - branta bernicla and the Goose Barnacle come from the old fable that Barnacle Geese were produced from barnacles, organisms that grow on timber exposed to salt water. This appeared logical since these geese were never seen in summer. When they were supposedly developing underwater, they were actually breeding in remote Arctic regions. The legend was also convenient because it enabled Catholics to classify these geese as fish and therefore able to eat their flesh during Lent. Some historical names for Barnacle Goose include; Bar Goose, Clakis, Rood Goose and Tree Goose.

There have been around thirty Barnacle Geese reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;

1989: (1)

One was seen on December 19th at Severn Beach, it was present into 1990 throughout January until February 25th.

1990: (2)

One seen in December 1989 at Severn Beach was present until February 25th; One seen on the February 10th at Severn Beach was still present on February 11th.

1993: (1)

One was found on May 6th at Oldbury Power Station.

1995: (1)

One was seen on April 2nd and 3rd at Oldbury Power Station.

1996: (7)

Seven seen on February 24th at Aust/ Northwick Warth were still present on February 25th.

1999: (14)

Thirteen were present sometime in April at Oldbury Power Station; On October 19th one was identified in flight heading south past New Passage.

2002: (4)

One was seen on April 1st at Tortworth Court Lake; One was seen on April 14th at Northwick Warth; Two were found on May 10th at Orchard Pools near Severn Beach.

2006: (1)

One was reported from the Severn Beach area on June 8th - 9th.