What’s good for the goose

Oct 21 2009 by Julie Watt, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

What’s good for the goose

THE CAERLAVEROCK Wetland Centre was described as “spectacular” during a live broadcast on the BBC’s Autumn Watch programme on Friday night.

Wildlife Presenter Simon King told the amazing story of the Svalbard barnacle geese during the hour-long show.

He said: “I cannot recommend a visit to Caerlaverock strongly enough — it really is spectacular.”

The small geese migrate from their breeding grounds in the High Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to winter on the Solway, a journey of some 3,000km.

Earlier in the month, the programme saw Simon King in Svalbard, caught in a blizzard, watching the geese fly south at the start of their epic journey.

He has also been following the progress of the three geese carrying satellite transmitters, Glen, Google and Valiant.

WWT Caerlaverock learning manager Brian Morrell, told the Standard: “Simon King was at the centre for a week before Friday night’s live broadcast.

“It was truly amazing and Simon managed to get some fantastic shots of the geese.”

Dozens of people flocked to the centre over the weekend after Friday night’s publicity.

Mr Morrell added: “I would urge members of the public to come along and visit the centre. We are open every day from 10am to 5pm.”