This is one of the birds seen by Katharine, Lucy and Asa on their walk to Barnes Pond. The photo was taken by Katharine, while Asa would have prefered to see a mallard.
Egyptian geese aren't true geese, they're members of the shelduck sub-family, Tadorninae. They are naturally found in Africa, in the Nile valley and south of the Sahara. They were introduced to Great Britain to be kept in wildfowl collections. Since then birds have escaped and established populations in the wild. They've also become established in other parts of Europe, the United Arab Emirates, and even the USA.
Egyptian geese are found on a variety of wetlands, including gravel pits, as well as in large urban parks. Their ideal habitat has open grass with a few trees, close to freshwater. They usually nest in cavities in old trees, but will also nest under bushes on islands, or in the nests of crows or raptors. They've been recorded taking over the nests of ospreys and outcompeting barn owls to use nest boxes. The main nesting season is from February to June, but they sometimes start laying eggs in January. They're highly territorial and will fiercely defend their territory, nesting site, and young.
The largest concentrations of Egyptian Geese in Great Britain are found across southern England.
Interesting info, didn't know that about Egyptian geese, they're so ubiquitous, almost as common as Canadian. They have great character and love sitting in trees which is always entertaining.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
London now has quite a range of exotic birds to be seen, many of them who have bred from escapees from avieries and other wildlife collections. They make an interesting addition to the wildlife scene, although non native birds and animals becoming established can cause problems for native breeds.
Ian
November 18th, 2023
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Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
London now has quite a range of exotic birds to be seen, many of them who have bred from escapees from avieries and other wildlife collections. They make an interesting addition to the wildlife scene, although non native birds and animals becoming established can cause problems for native breeds.
Ian