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Ducks and geese

Enjoy one of the UK's greatest wildlife sights

A blizzard of wings take to the air, silhouetted against the red dawn sky. The return of tens of thousands of wintering geese to UK shores is one of nature's most stunning wildlife spectacles.

Similar to the wildebeest migrations on the plains of Africa, huge flocks of geese pass through mainland UK in the autumn and winter months as they travel south.

RSPB reserves provide the perfect place for a spot of refuelling, offering space for thousands of these winter visitors to rest and feed, and the chance for you to witness this unique natural wonder in person.

Come and join us

Why not wrap up warm and join RSPB staff throughout the season on a range of morning or evening guided goose walks? Find a goose 'hotspot' near you and follow the reserve links for up-to-date information.

You can also report your own goose sightings via Twitter using #goosewatch or by e-mail to goosewatch@rspb.org.uk. The more people watching the skies, the better!

MapList

  • Buckenham Marshes

    A gentle walk with wide views across the marshes.

    Calling redshank in meadow
  • Dearne Valley - Wombwell Ings

    Take a bracing walk around this open green space

    Drake teal bathing
  • Dungeness

    Fabulous wildlife watching in a unique landscape

    View looking over gravel pit, RSPB Dungeness reserve
  • Fairburn Ings

    Explore your wild side - a great place to visit year-round

    Aerial view of RSPB Fairburn Ings nature reserve
  • Fen Drayton Lakes

    Lakes, riverside, traditional meadows and hedges linked by a network of paths

    Young hobby eating dragonfly in mid-air
  • Fetlar

    Your chance to get up close to red-necked phalaropes

    Red-necked phalarope stretching wings
  • Ham Wall

    A wonderful wetland, home to water voles, otters, bitterns and kingfishers

    Starlings above reedbed at Ham Wall
  • Hayle Estuary

    A great place to get easy, close-up views of many waterbirds

    Greenshank looking for food in shallow water
  • Insh Marshes

    A peaceful woodland walk, overlooking marshes with a stunning mountain backdrop

    Loch Insh, RSPB Insh Marshes reserve
  • Loch Gruinart

    The place to watch thousands of geese in winter, or displaying waders in spring

    Feeding flock of barnacle geese, RSPB Loch Gruinart reserve, Islay
  • Loch of Strathbeg

    A wonderful wetland with something new to see on every visit

    Flock of pink-footed geese at dawn, Loch of Strathbeg RSPB reserve
  • Lough Foyle

    Mudflats and saltmarsh teeming with thousands of migrating birds

    Mud at low tide at Lough Foyle
  • Marshside

    Bracing sea breezes and big skies filled with majestic flocks of waterfowl

    Brown hare running
  • Matford Marsh

    A wetland oasis and haven for commuting cyclists and birds alike!

    Speckled wood butterfly on nettle leaf
  • Mersehead

    Wander through rich wetlands to a wild and atmospheric shoreline

    View across marsh towards hills, RSPB Mersehead
  • Ouse Washes

    A tranquil walk allowing stunning views across a vast wet grassland site

    Whooper swan swimming
  • Portmore Lough

    A hidden wetland, lough and meadows to explore

    Whooper swan, spreading wings close up
  • Pulborough Brooks

    Enjoy a walk at this beautiful reserve and get close to nature

    Female lapwing in rushy pasture, Northumberland
  • Radipole Lake

    Wonderful wildlife in the middle of town

    Sedge warbler in flight
  • Saltholme

    Big skies, fantastic wildlife and a friendly welcome in the heart of Teesside

    RSPB Saltholme Visitor Centre & bare branches silhouetted against a wintery sky
  • Sandwell Valley

    An urban oasis where you can see and learn about birds and wildlife

    Panorama from visitor centre, RSPB Sandwell Valley nature reserve
  • Snettisham

    Walk alongside bird-filled lagoons, shingle beaches and the vast wilderness of The Wash

    Wader flock (including oystercatchers and dunlin) at the RSPB Snettisham nature reserve
  • South Essex Marshes

    Gateway to the largest wetland in Essex, on the doorstep of the Thames

    Male bearded tit hiding in reedbed
  • Udale Bay

    A peaceful bay that comes alive with the sounds of wintering birds

    Oystercatchers mating
  • Valley Wetlands

    Beautiful reed-fringed lake scenery next to RAF Valley

    Emperor dragonfly in flight
  • Loch Leven

    Part of Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, you can enjoy wildlife all year-round

    RSPB Vane Farm reserve, The Mire - peat bog restoration
  • West Sedgemoor

    A specially protected haven for birds all year-round

    Flooded meadows at the RSPB West Sedgemoor nature reserve