When doing my local patch walk earlier this week, was surprised to see a large number of Egyptian Geese present (c25), We have one or two resident pairs which breed each year and numbers can reach 10 but it seems as though other families had chosen to visit. I wonder if they will stay for the winter?
The Egyptian Goose, as its name suggest was originally an African species. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa and the Nile Valley, although its range in the latter area is decreasing southwards . The UK population dates from the 18th century when it was introduced as an ornamental park species. Escapes and free-flying flocks have spread from these sites and it is now commonly found in SE England, East Anglia and the Thames valley. Latest estimates put the UK population at 1850 breeding pairs and 5600 wintering birds.
The name comes from the description of the goose in “L’oye d’Egypte” by the French Ornithologist Mathurin Brisson in the mid 18th century.
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