Bird-lovers who flock to a north-east loch in the coming weeks will be able to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles – thousands of birds in flight.
Animal charity the RSPB is encouraging families to visit their conservation area at Loch Strathbeg to watch one of the world’s largest populations of pink-footed geese take to the skies.
A staggering 64,655 were counted at the reserve in October – the highest number in nine years.
The birds nest in Iceland and Greenland in the spring and summer and head south for the autumn.
They stop over at the stretch of water near Crimond, and it is estimated that up to 30% of the world’s population will have visited Loch Strathbeg by the end of 2014.
More than 10,000 birds are still wintering at the site, feeding on local farmland during the day.
RSPB Scotland’s Craig Shepherd said: “When it comes to Scottish wildlife spectacles, there’s nothing that can compare to the cacophony of thousands of geese as they take to the air, blanketing the sky above you.
“It’s an experience you’ll never forget, so I urge you to come along and take part in one of our events.
“If you’re the kind of person that values your Sunday morning lie-ins, we have a Dusk Watch too, when you can watch the geese as they return to roost on the loch.”
The RSPB’s Goosewatch weekend runs on November 15 and 16 and those that visit Loch Strathbeg for the dawn and dusk watches will be treated to a hot drink and telescope to watch the birds.