Large flocks of brown geese have descended upon the wetlands of the Wash estuary in eastern England to feed after a long migratory journey.
Brown geese crowding the beach at the Wash estuary during high tide.
Professional photographer David Tipling, 57, visited the Wash estuary in Norfolk on September 16 and captured an incredible scene: tens of thousands of brown geese jostling together in the relentless tidal waves.
These birds come from colder climates and undertake one of the longest migrations in the natural world. They travel from breeding grounds in the Arctic to the coasts and river mouths of Europe, Africa, and Oceania, where they will spend the upcoming winter feeding on invertebrates.
“At this time of year, we experience some of the highest tides. When the tide rises, seawater covers the wetlands of the Wash, pushing the birds off the mudflats. Therefore, they must seek alternative land to roost. Many species of birds flock to small islands within hours during high tide, and they do this hurriedly, like a crowd pushing forward. It’s one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles in the world and occurs during the high tides of autumn,” David shared.
The tidal flows allow many species of invertebrates to thrive in the Wash estuary, particularly shrimp, clams, and mussels, providing a rich food source for migratory birds. It is estimated that around two million birds arrive at the Wash each year during their seasonal migrations.
The Wash is recognized as an internationally important nature reserve, home to dozens of bird species. In addition to brown geese, the wetlands here serve as feeding grounds for gray plovers, pink-footed geese, black-bellied geese, wigeons, bitterns, snipe, and brown snipes.
Video: David Tipling
