In the week just after the Midwinter census of waterfowl first larger flocks of wintering geese have been observed. Main goal of the monitoring was to detect presence of globally threatened species Red breasted goose (Branta ruficollis). In the morning on the Eastern part of Atanasovsko Lake were observed about 3000 White fronted geese (Anser albifrons) to take off and land in the fields around Burgas Airport to feed. Other much larger flock of about 9000 White-fronted geese along 400 Whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) were feeding on the other side of the lagoon and we were happy to count 230 Red-breasted geese among them. The follow up tour around Burgas Lakes and adjacent fields have not brough any further sightings.
At our return in the afternoon we found out the numbers of the large flock has increased up to approximately 15 000 geese. Unfortunately, we also detected negative behavior by local farmers that harassed and chased away the feeding geese. The birds flew to the west looking for calmer feeding sites.
Contacts:
Dimitar Popov - phone number +359885108712, e-mail: dpopov@greenbalkans.org
At our return in the afternoon we found out the numbers of the large flock has increased up to approximately 15 000 geese. Unfortunately, we also detected negative behavior by local farmers that harassed and chased away the feeding geese. The birds flew to the west looking for calmer feeding sites.
Contacts:
Dimitar Popov - phone number +359885108712, e-mail: dpopov@greenbalkans.org
