Such species as the barnacle goose can be encountered in our country only during their migration, and besides they are very rare. I must say that October 2013 was the month of geese of the genus Branta for me. I photographed three species of this bird, two of which are rare and difficult to photograph. The barnacle goose’s shooting session happened by chance and thanks to my determination. Yes, I had got some hint about the spot where barnacle geese can be encountered. Of course nobody guarantees that they will be there, as they are wild and free birds, but if you don’t give it a try, you won’t succeed. And here my first approach and barnacle geese allow me to photograph them without much effort. The next morning they were already gone. I wish the accompanying bean goose hadn’t been there, as by cutting into the frame it spoiled the most dynamic picture of all that were taken during that open-air session. Normally I would be extremely happy to have a bean goose at such a small distance, in the warm light of the setting sun, but not while photographing barnacle geese, which are like the whipped cream and the cherry for a photographer. Well, it’s not a supermarket, here it’s nature who writes the script. The geese, unfortunately in silence, not giving a single sound, fed quietly. So again I have no recording of the bird’s sound. The barnacle goose is very similar to the brant goose by its size and wingspan (a weight of approximately two kilograms, a wingspan of about 1,2 meters). They are also quite similar in behavior, although I have never seen a brant goose in flight. Time will show if there will be an opportunity to expand the gallery of this bird photographed in a different scenery.
Last minute nevs-07/2015
A few pictures of the barnacle goose were added. You could spot whole flocks in Holland. There were no problems with taking pictures, although a long distance needed to be preserved. Nevertheless, I managed to add a few new pictures and to rebuild the overcrowded gallery.
Last minute news – 10/2017
From my the third meeting with the barnacle goose, were created several photographs, which introduced the diversification of the gallery. Although the distance was too big, but the barnacle gooses in the company of other geese, feeding on the field had to be added to the gallery. I didn't have one yet ...
Last minute news - 07/2018 - Spitsbergen
The gallery of the barnacle goose on my site was quite rich, but still no gallery is perfect so every one of them could be improved. Especially in Spitsbergen, which is the natural nesting place for these birds. They were numerous in many places, but it was like with the arctic fox, when far from human settlements they kept a considerable distance, closer to people it was easier to come up and take better pictures. I have also added a recording of the barnacle goose’s voice.