Where to watch geese as they roost at dawn and dusk. Includes details and photos of the RSPB Scotland Loch Skene Aberdeen Goose Watch

Join RSPB Scotland and Dunecht Estates for a goose watch event at Loch of Skene on the 22 November at dawn 07:15 and dusk 15:15.

The spectacular sight of thousands of pink footed geese leaving or returning to their roost is one of the autumn’s most dramatic sights. Come along to the goose watch event and take a gander at the geese, as RSPB Scotland and Dunecht Estates hold their joint goose watch at Loch of Skene, on the outskirts of Aberdeen. The goose watch will take place on Sunday 22nd November and will be split into two events, dawn (07:15 - 09:00 approx) and dusk (15:15 - 17:00 approx). The event promises an amazing atmosphere as people wait in suspense of the spectacle. Attendance is free and open to all, however booking is essential as space is limited.

Ian Francis, RSPB East Scotland North East Area Manager said:

The sight and sound of the geese coming in and leaving their roost on the loch is one of the most fantastic natural events you can witness.

Dunecht Estates Chief Executive Stuart Young said:

We are pleased to be hosting this opportunity and hope those attending enjoy this remarkable experience.

Internationally important numbers of pink footed geese now spend their winters in the UK arriving in their thousands from Iceland in the autumn. In the 1960’s only 50,000 pink footed geese wintered in the UK, now there are more than 200,000, many choosing to roost on RSPB reserves. The geese, which are smaller than a mute swan but larger than a mallard, do not breed in the UK but make this journey because our climate is milder over the winter than their nesting grounds in Iceland. Amazingly, if the geese have favourable wind conditions, they can make this journey from Iceland to Scotland in around 14 hours.

The Goosewatch events at Loch of Skene will start before dawn at 07:15 (to watch the geese leave their roost) and before dusk at 15:15 (to watch the geese returning to their roost for the evening). RSPB Scotland and Estate staff will be on hand with torches, telescopes and binoculars but attendees are welcome to bring their own and are asked to wear warm, waterproof clothing and footwear. Children are welcome , there will be a free prize draw and light refreshments will be available (suggested donation £1).

The goose watch events are free but booking is essential as space is limited. To book please call the RSPB’s East Scotland Regional Office on 01224 624824.

RSPB Scotland’s work in Aberdeenshire is supported by the Scottish Natural Heritage.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no SC037654.

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More Wildlife Nature Visits Aberdeen.

Strathbeg RSPB Aberdeenshire Centre.