THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE – Anser brachyrhynchus
As with all reports of rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective rarities committees
Pink-footed Goose breeds in Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard. It winters in northwest Europe, especially Great Britain. Here large flocks graze on farmland, particularly in Norfolk, The Fens, Aberdeenshire and Lancashire. The word 'anser' comes from Latin meaning goose and 'brachyrhynchus' is a reference to the shortness of the bill.
There have been nine Pink-footed Geese reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;
1940: (7)
On February 1st at Severn Beach s
ix or seven were identified in company with White-fronted Geese along the river bank between Avonmouth and Severn Beach and were still present on February 2nd. Although the Pink-footed Goose is a regular visitor to the grounds above Berkeley in winter, it becomes scarce or entirely absent, at other times in the Severn Beach area. These occurrences are therefore of special interest and can only be attributed to the intensely cold weather. (Howard H. Daves)
1988: (1)
On November 29th at Littleton Warth a sick or injured juvenile that was caught by a wildfowlers dog and died shortly afterwards.
1996: (1)
On February 26th at Aust Warth/ Northwick Warth a 1st winter was located and remained in the area until March 10th.