Brent Goose
Brent Goose, Branta bernicla
Most records have been of single birds though an impressive flock of 120 circled the lake at Castle Howard in October 1988. Late winter and spring seem to be the best time to connect with Brent Geese in the York area. The Lower Derwent Valley takes the lion’s share, with all but two of the records. Where recorded, all birds have been of the dark-bellied race, bernicla.
Records:
2023: Low Grounds, 24th and 25th October which was present there again and at Wheldrake Ings on 28th and 29th October. one
2019: Low Grounds, Wheldrake Ings, 10th December. one
2018: Bubwith Ings, 15th March, one roosted
2016: Wheldrake Ings, 23rd January. (five)
2015: Wheldrake Ings, 12th to 13th April, North Duffield Carrs, 14th April. One.
2012: North Duffield Carrs, 20th February. One. Trapped and ringed.
2007: Wheldrake Ings, 21st to 22nd March. One.
2002: Warthill, 7th November. One.
2001: North Duffield Carrs, 12th February. One.
1997: Wheldrake Ings, 28th to 29th January. One.
1996: North Duffield Carrs, 9th April. One.
1996: Bank Island, 5th to 10th March. Two.
1995: Lower Derwent Valley, 26th April. One.
1995: Lower Derwent Valley, 14th February. One.
1993: Lower Derwent Valley, 16th to 17th January. One.
1988: Castle Howard, 27th October. 120.
1988: Wheldrake Ings, 19th to 31st May. One.
1983: Hagg Bridge, Melbourne, then Wheldrake Ings, 15th to 19th March. One.
1981: Wheldrake Ings, 15th November. One.
1981: Wheldrake Ings, 7th April. One.
Unsubstantiated records:
2009: Wheldrake Ings, 22nd April. 49 flew over (Birdguides).
2006: North Duffield Carrs, 15th January. One (Birdguides).