This flock of Barnacle Geese spend their days resting safely in the grounds of a local Zoo
Their numbers have climbed over the last 20 years to 59
The grass is closely mowed and the grazing is poor
They are free-flying and seek better grazing locally
Eventually the first few touch down in a lush field
The rest follow in several groups
They then bunch closer together for safety
And with good reason
They are not alone
The resident Mute Swans meet them head-on
But think better of any confrontation
A Barn Owl is hunting in the same field in the 'golden hour' before dusk
But he is not the Apex predator in this field
A hungry Vixen appears from her den
She observes the Geese for any weak individuals
The Geese are not too concerned and continue to graze
The Vixen sits and observes the Geese from the rear
The Dog Fox charges past her
And past the Geese too
He checks around cautiously
2 hours earlier, spare food was left on a used trail
Bread, pasta, chicken and dog biscuits are left out daily when the Foxes have Cubs to feed
The Foxes are very much wild and it is 2-3 hours after the person leaves the field - before they take the food
He stops at the outer food drop, before entering the gorse for the main drop
And then he consumes most of the food left
Leaving some for the Vixen
As the light fades, the Geese know they will not be safe there
Once again they move areas, seeking open farmland
They settle in an open area where other Geese are present
Geese attract Geese and they are joined by 4 more Canada Geese and one hybrid
This Greylag Goose has a damaged leg and wing
But it is far safer in this large group and it can still fly
They soon feel the need to move again
Perhaps to a field near you!
