Migration and resting of the white-fronted goose, Anser albifrons, in an inland lake landscape in East Holstein
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21248/corax.v2.249Abstract
This article describes the resting and migration of the white-fronted goose in a control area in East Holstein covering approximately 100 square kilometres. The species has been found in the area since 1930. There have been so many observations since 1952 that it has been possible to carry out an evaluation.
The white-fronted goose tends to appear with great regularity in the last ten days of September. The earliest date is 17 September 1961. Remarkably few sightings were made during the autumn migration. Some of them arrive in family groups. While the maximum number of resting birds occurs in the last five days of October and the first five days of December, the daily migration maximum in the fourth five days of December is a clear indication of late migrations or winter escape movements from the eastern resting places.
The resting area is sometimes vacated at very short notice with the onset of winter weather (freezing of water bodies, snow cover). No evidence of wintering has been found to date, although the average mild winter of 1966/67 could also be included.
The return migration is clearly visible with flocks passing over and resting, but the length of stay is much shorter than in autumn. The return migration generally ends in mid-April. The latest date is 27 April 1958.
The development of resting populations in the years up to 1963 shows a decline. The maximum of 2,500 specimens before 1955 fell to just under 600, and the average population numbers from approx. 1,100 to 200. Since 1964, there has been a slight increase (maximum 1,200 specimens in 1966/67). Possible causes for this development are discussed (hunting, disturbance by observers, losses, grazing areas, migration shifts). Test counts revealed an average proportion of young birds of 29.4% in autumn.
The white-fronted geese were most frequently encountered on the short-grassed shore meadows and on winter crops. No reduction in crop yields was reported; on the contrary, one farmer reported a particularly high yield on a grain field grazed by the geese.
Other goose species observed include greylag, bean, pink-footed, lesser white-fronted, white-cheeked, Canada and Brent geese. The bean goose was last reported in large flocks (2000 individuals) on 1 November 1935. Finally, the importance of the described resting place within the Western European winter population is presented.
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