Recent News (please note chronological change, most recent news at top of page)

On this page we will try to bring you information on a weekly basis regarding the general movements of the Bean Geese flock on the Slamannan Plateau. Additionally we will also give you information on other bird species so as to make a visit more interesting.      Archive Page Previous years observations

Note : Would birdwatchers please not block the entrance to the farm. As the main road is not a safe place to park please park east of Luckenburn Farm at the entrance to Sheilknowes. The geese can then be seen from the wooded area.

Any news of bean geese can be sent to me at  info.bean-geese@blueyonder.co.uk

2009/10

23rd February

A visit to the plateau this morning found c200 bean geese in three separate flocks. Hopefully the snow forecast over the next few days will not restrict their feeding in the area.

14th February

A flock of 93 bean geese was seen recently nr Lochgreen Farm. They were in a newly sown field and had been there for a week or so. Three Pinkfeet were amongst the flock. I would reckon that we have c150 bean geese still in the area. How long they will stay is another matter as we are now nearing their departure time. Some good weather and a westerly wind will encourage them to go.

13th January

The last sighting of bean geese on the plateau was on 30th December when 18 were seen at Garbethill in deep snow trying to find some grass in a field next to the road.

Thee was a report on the Lothian Birding Website of 14 bean geese being seen on 9th Jan at the mouth of the River Esk. They were viewed for 10mins before flying east.

This may well signify that our flock have spread themselves far and wide to find suitable grazing in these unusually harsh weather conditions. I can only remember one occasion within the past 10 years when they had to survive in snowy weather. At that time they sat it out in a field at Wester Loanrig for the whole period of a week. This time they would have had to move. They will have been at Beam Farm within the past three weeks but no records have been received of them being seen there.

Note: Apologies for lack of updates on the website recently. We have had PC problems that required patience to sort out.

15th December

Over the past two weeks the flock has been widely distributed during daylight hours. A group of c20 birds has visited Hillend Farm Slamannan on several occasions. Garbethill Muir has seen quite a bit of activity and birds have been seen at Bandominie Farm. It is more than likely that birds have been visiting Beam Farm during this period of time. A newly seeded field nr Fannyside Mill has attracted the geese as it did last winter.

Other species – The only wintering Hen Harrier seen so far this winter has been a female which is most unusual as one or two males normally spend the winter in the area. The only other raptor of note was a Peregrine seen over Slamannan within the past week. A flock of c500 Pinkfeet were present recently in the upper Avon Valley nr Slamannan. Smaller numbers are still present and sometimes being confused with Bean Geese.

24th November

Up to c160 birds have been seen nr Slamannan this past week. They have been sharing fields with a Pinkfoot flock which numbered 400 birds. However within recent days no Bean Geese have been seen in the usual haunts.

31st October

Bean goose flock seen flying to the north east of the plateau this morning at first light.

26th October

After the wind and rain of the weekend today saw ideal viewing conditions on the Slamannan Plateau. The flock were split into two groups with one of 127 in the middle field at Luckenburn and the other near Fannyside Mill of 143 birds.

The birds nr Fannyside Mill are in a field beside the road so approach quietly and slowly and you will get the best view ever of our Taiga Bean Geese. That is of course if you stay in your car and use it as a hide. Any other action on your part will see the birds spooked.

19th October 2009

A count of 259 geese was made today at Luckenburn Farm.

Other News - I can recommend a visit to Aberlady Bay at dawn or dusk at present where the count of Pinkfeet is around 29,000 birds. Definitely a sight to behold.

11th October 2009

The bean goose flock has increased in size and now stands at c150 birds.

2nd October 2009

78 bean geese were seen at Fannyside Muir tonight

Note – It has been reported that a birdwatcher driving a white Vauxhall Corsa was seen in fields stalking the bean geese flock at Luckenburn Farm on or around the 2/5 October. This type of behaviour does nothing but harm to the relationship with the farmer at this location. It is also in violation of the Countryside Access Code of Conduct and the Birdwatchers Code of Conduct.