Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchus
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The pink-footed goose is the star of Marshside in winter. Flocks of 20,000–40,000 birds are not unusual — the noise and spectacle at dusk as they come in to roost is genuinely one of the best wildlife experiences in England, and most people don't know it exists. They breed in Iceland and Greenland and use the Ribble Estuary and Marshside as a key wintering site. Watch from the Marshside car park at dusk for the full effect.
At a Glance
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Habitat | Coastal marsh · Farmland · Estuary |
| Diet | Grass, grain, winter cereals, sugar beet tops |
| UK population | Around 360,000 wintering birds — one of the largest Pink-footed Goose populations in the world |
| Sefton Coast | Up to 40,000 birds roost at Marshside nightly at peak; regularly 20,000–30,000 |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB lagoons and surrounding fields. Hesketh Out Marsh. Feeding on farmland inland during the day, returning to roost at dusk in spectacular skeins.
Identification
Medium-sized grey-brown goose. Pink bill with dark base, pink legs. Shorter neck than Greylag. Orange legs would mean Greylag — legs are the key check.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Arrive 30 minutes before sunset at Marshside. The skeins build from the south as they come off farmland. Bring a flask — it can be very cold and the wait is worth it.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see Pink-footed Geese at Marshside?
October to January, at dusk. Flocks of 20,000–40,000 birds fly in from feeding grounds at sunset, creating one of the most spectacular wildlife spectacles in England. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset at the Marshside RSPB car park.
How many Pink-footed Geese winter at Marshside RSPB?
Peak counts at Marshside regularly exceed 30,000–40,000 birds, representing a significant portion of the entire UK wintering population of around 360,000. The Ribble Estuary is one of the most important wintering sites in Europe.
Where do Pink-footed Geese breed?
In Iceland and Greenland, on tundra and mountain areas. They make a direct transatlantic migration to reach UK wintering grounds each autumn, arriving on the Sefton Coast from late September onwards.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.