The Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) is a fascinating bird that appears as a rare visitor to Germany. Its striking coloration and unusual migratory behavior make it a special object of observation for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts. So, there was great joy when a sighting of even two geese appeared on ornitho.de in western Brandenburg.
Anyone who observes large flocks of Barnacle Geese (Branta leucopsis) in meadows or harvested fields in winter has a chance of spotting a Red-breasted Goose in their midst with a bit of luck. This colorful species is a vagrant in Germany and often seeks the company of its close relatives. Since the 1970s, a maximum of five to seven individuals have been recorded almost annually in northwest Germany. With the population increase in the 1990s, the number of migrating or overwintering Red-breasted Geese increased to up to 50 individuals. These geese are very rare in inland areas. However, since the late 1980s/early 1990s, individual sightings have been increasingly recorded even in inland areas.
In Germany, they usually appear in flocks of Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) and Barnacle Geese. The Greater White-fronted Goose is the most common companion of the Red-breasted Goose. This goose has a wide distribution range and overwinters in large numbers in Germany, especially in northern and eastern Germany. The same applies to Barnacle Geese. Since the migration routes of the three species overlap, Red-breasted Geese often join flocks of Barnacle Geese or Greater White-fronted Geese.
The Red-breasted Goose benefits from being associated with larger goose species. The larger number of individuals increases its vigilance and provides better protection against predators. In addition, the group structure facilitates orientation during migration and foraging.
In Germany, the Red-breasted Goose is not a breeding bird, but rather a rare visitor. The red-breasted goose breeds in the arctic and subarctic tundra of Western Siberia, particularly on the Yamal Peninsula, in the estuary between the Ob and Yenisei rivers, and on the Taimyr River. It prefers river banks and estuaries as breeding grounds. In its wintering quarters, it seeks out areas with safe overnight accommodations, such as inaccessible islands or shallow water areas, as well as sufficient foraging areas such as salt marshes, pastures, or fallow land.
The Netzen Meadows provide an important habitat not only for the Red-breasted Goose, but also for many other bird species. The Netzen Meadows are a worthwhile destination for birdwatchers. The combination of diverse habitats and impressive biodiversity makes this area a hotspot for ornithological observations.
In order to meet the growing demand for top images of the rarer species of Palaearctic Bird-lens.com has made trips to remote places. Additionally every chance is used, if a rare bird is around the homeground. This to do everything to ensure excellent photos of the Birds of the Western Palearctic. The yield of pictures also of rare Western Palaearctic birds is very good. There are other nice images of birds, that you will find behind the tab “Picture Shop“. Just give a notice if you need a picture of a bird which is not online.