Food preferences by spring migrating Pink-footed geese (Anser brachyryhnchus) in Central Norway

Abstract

The spring migrating Svalbard population of Pink - footed geese (Anser brachyrhynchus) stages in Central - Norway from mid - April to mid - May. They feed on agriculture fields mainly on a menu of grain and grass. These nutrients do they find in fields with stubble, sown barley and on grassland. In the present study it is hypothesized that P ink - footed geese adapt to the available food resources depending on the availability. It is predicted that there may be yearly variances in the availability and that the preferences will depend on the time in the season, the location and seasonal climatic development. The results from goose registrations in 2008 and 2009 show a difference between the years in preferences for food . This was basically caused by the harvest success of the previous year, which depend s on the current climate condition . The results of the pre sent study also indicate differences in climate within the study area , determining the choices of food source by the P ink - footed geese It is conclude d in this study that P ink - footed geese have different food - preference s determined by the climatic situation s. A more detailed study is recommend ed in order to fully understand the dynamic s of spring staging P ink - footed geese staging in the cultivated landscape of Central - Norway