Greylag Goose Gosling - a photo on Flickriver

The Greylag Goose, with its distinctive pale grey feathers, pink legs, and orange bill, is a fascinating bird, known for its territorial behavior during nesting and its sociable nature post-hatching. Goslings, the young of the Greylag Goose, are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth. These fluffy chicks are cared for by both parents and are known to group together in larger family units for additional safety and warmth. As they grow, they learn to graze on pasture and meadows alongside cattle or sheep, mirroring their parents' diet of grains, root crops, and leafy vegetation. The Greylag Goose holds a special place in human culture as the ancestor of most domesticated geese and has been a part of our history since at least 1360 BC. In the UK, they are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 and are classified as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021).

The greylag goose or graylag goose (Anser anser) is a species of large goose in the waterfowl family Anatidae and the type species of the genus Anser. A large bird, it measures between 74 and 91 centimetres in length, with an average weight of 3.3 kilograms. Its distribution is widespread, with birds from the north of its range in Europe and Asia often migrating southwards to spend the winter in warmer places, although many populations are resident, even in the north.

The chicks become fully-fledged at eight or nine weeks, about the same time as their parents regain their ability to fly after moulting their main wing and tail feathers a month earlier. Immature birds undergo a similar moult, and move to traditional, safe locations before doing so because of their vulnerability while flightless.

Young greylags stay with their parents as a family group, migrating with them in a larger flock, and only dispersing when the adults drive them away from their newly established breeding territory the following year.

This gosling is a resident of Arundel Wetland Centre, which is nestled in the scenic South Downs and adjacent to the River Arun and offers a tranquil escape into nature. This beautiful reserve is a haven for over 50 species of wildfowl from around the globe, showcased in settings that mimic their natural habitats. Visitors can enjoy the splendor of Dalmatian pelicans, marvel at the reedbed boardwalk, and observe Sussex wildlife from eight discreet hides. The centre is not only a delight for bird enthusiasts but also provides educational boat rides, a playful Pond Skater area for children, and a café to relax in after a day of exploration. With its commitment to accessibility, the centre has earned a Silver Award for Accessible & Inclusive Tourism, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.

WWT Arundel is one of ten wildfowl and wetland nature reserves managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, a nature conservation charity in the United Kingdom. The 24 ha reserve is situated at the foot of the Offham Hangar, a part of the Arun valley in Arundel, West Sussex, England.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greylag_goose

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWT_Arundel

Taken in: UK / England / Arun District / Arundel (show map)

Taken on: May 4, 2015

Tags:

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Wildfowl

Wildfowl & Wetland Trust

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Greylag Goose Gosling

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Anser anser

Arundel Wetland Centre

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Camera: Nikon D3100, f/5.3, 1/1600 sec, 155mm (=232mm), ISO 400 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Nikon D3100
Lens:	55.0-200.0 mm f/4.0-5.6
Aperture:	f/5.3
Exposure Time:	0.001 sec (1/1600)
Focal Length:	155mm (35mm equivalent: 232mm)
ISO:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	No Flash
Exposure Program:	Program AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Manual
Light Source:	Cloudy
Gain Control:	Low gain up
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Adobe Photoshop Elements 12.0 Windows
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