Rare geese swoop in

  A Record-breaking number of visitors - of the winged
variety - have flocked to Cumbernauld.

   Fannyside Loch, which boasts its own nature reserve, is playing
host to an unprecedented number of bean geese. The Royal Society
for the Protection of Birds reserve has played host for the winter to
these birds before, but, never in such numbers.

   And the high concentration of birds - more than 200 in total -
makes Cumbernauld the biggest nesting ground for the birds in
Britain after more bean geese were found on-site than their only
other UK nesting destination, in East Anglia.

   RSPB Scotland's Mike Turbridge said: " This truly is excellent
news. With only two small populations of bean geese in the whole
of Britain, it really does signal success for the species.

   "They are creatures of habit so our reserve in Cumbernauld has
well and truly become their winter home."

   Although the number of bean geese at Fannyside is high, their
nationwide profile was much higher in days gone by.

   They used to be the most abundant of grey geese in Britain but
their numbers have fallen dramatically.

   Often mistaken for the more common pink-footed goose, the bean
goose was frequently shot as game and started to disappear at the
turn of the 19th century.

   In fact, the term 'beanfeast' or more recently 'beano' derives from
the time that landed gentry would treat their staff to a feast as bean
geese were traditionally served!

   While the species is flourishing elsewhere, in Britain they remain
an uncommon sight.

   They are rarely seen in the UK after the month of February as that
is when they migrate back to their homelands in central Sweden.

   Despite the fact that their stay is relatively short, their presence
has gladdened the heart of North Lanarkshire Council's
Conservation and Greening manager Brian Thomson.

   Mr Thomson is involved in the Bean Goose Action Group, which
monitors the progress of the geese.

   "The first sighting of these birds was in 1980 - and we set up the
group soon after that," he said.

   "They have increased in number over the years - and although
bean geese aren't rare birds they certainly give Cumbernauld
something that it wouldn't normally have.

   "We wouldn't advise people to go near the area as the chance of
seeing these birds is very remote and visitors might just end up
disturbing them"

   "However, we are thinking of organising a visit to the site
where members of the public can come along and see the birds."

   Anyone who would be interested in this event is asked to contact
Mr. Thomson on 01236 780636.