Wild Harris

Greylag Geese    (Photo: Cliff Reddick)

Greylag geese are now quite common in Harris. They can often be seen feeding on the machair, and fly in groups from their overnight roosting spot to their daytime feeding area. If you hear geese calling overhead, then these will be graylag geese.

Greylag Geese    (Photo: Cliff Reddick)

They nest on the moorland, near to water. The nest is beautifully lined with downy feathers.

Greylag Geese    (Photo: Cliff Reddick)

The goslings are soon able to leave the nest and follow the adults to grassland to feed. Look out for family groups of geese in May and early June. Unlike other geese they stay in Harris all year round.

by Alison Tyler