Every autumn, tens of thousands of pink-footed geese descend on a north-east loch and feast on grass in the surrounding fields.
But once again, farmers are being given the opportunity to take advantage of a conservation compensation initiative.
The Loch of Strathbeg Local Goose Management Group (LGMG) has operated in one form or another for the past 20 years and helps support landowners who allow the birds to graze on their land.
More than a fifth of the entire world population of pink-footed geese roost at Strathbeg each year, an event described by the RSPB as “one of nature’s greatest spectacles”.
Scottish Natural Heritage’s Julia Quin helps run the compensation project.
She said: “Six applicants were able to secure funding under the 2014 scheme. As recorded goose usage was high, we have no plans to change the scheme in 2015.
“The LGMG also want to acknowledge the success of the scheme over the years, and the important role played by scheme participants in conserving this internationally important species.”
Each year about 50,000 pink-footed geese make the 500-mile trip from their Icelandic breeding grounds to Loch of Strathbeg – a special protection area.
In October, 64,655 birds were counted at the reserve – a nine-year high.
It is expected that as many as 20,000 geese will remain and feed on grass on neighbouring farmland in the spring, limiting silage yields and delaying livestock turnout.
The RSPB has been encouraging families to flock to the nature reserve – near the north-east village of Crimond – to watch the birds take to the skies each morning.
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.”
The loch – the largest dune loch in Britain – is a surprisingly recent creation, formed in 1720 by a huge storm which hit the area. There are now nearly 600 different species of birds, mammals and insects on the reserve.
Application packs for the LGMG scheme are available from Scottish Natural Heritage’s Aberdeen office from today.