A Russian White-fronted Goose at Fowlmere

8th February 2026

On Saturday 7th February Ade Cooper found a Russian White-fronted Goose at Fowlmere feeding with about 30 Greylags in the field at the southern end of the bridleway that runs down the eastern boundary of the reserve. I was visiting the reserve on Sunday to see how the harriers were doing so stopped off at the gate to have a look, but no sign of the goose. As I made my way round to the Reed Bed Hide I could hear several geese on the mere so was fairly confident it would be there, but a quick scan soon proved that to be overly optimistic. Later on the whole flock flew off.

I spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon looking out for and photographing the female Marsh Harrier and when I looked back at the mere the Greylags had re-appeared and the White-front was amongst them, but typically by the furthest bank.

At that point they all decided to fly off again and I was able to grab some flight shots.

This shot shows the White-front is slightly smaller than a Greylag, but also has a mucher slighter build and much smaller head and bill.

Well that was a nice surprise.

Thank you Ade.