Tundra Bean Goose - Arrow Valley Lake, Worcestershire

While working in Staffordshire and with a bit of time to kill I headed down to Arrow Valley Lake where a Tundra Bean Goose of unknown origin had been present for about two weeks. Arriving, my heart sank a bit when I saw the stereotypical 'duck pond' of Canada Geese, Mallard, Mute Swan, Greylag Geese and Coot congregating around people throwing bread!

However, I couldn't see the Tundra Bean Goose in this flock, so made my way around the lake. Entering the quieter areas there were quite a few Great-Crested Grebes and a single Common Tern on a buoy. Eventually, at the far southern end, I picked out the Tundra Bean Goose in a small group of Greylag Geese. Making my around to that area, I had excellent views of my first of this species. While some of the Greylags approached though, the Bean Goose was much more wary, always the furthest out. I watched it fly a couple of times and noticed it was unringed.

Pretty decent views for my first Tundra Bean Goose

At this time of year, there's always a doubt as to whether the bird is wild, but a quick look on BirdGuides showed that there's been a Tundra Bean Goose moving around Worcestershire for over three months, which seems to boost its chances of being wild. It also stuck towards the quiet, nature reserve end of the reserve and showed no interest in coming anywhere near people!

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