Egyptian goose
Alopochen aegyptiaca A goose that is more of a duck and which can leave a sour taste in more ways than one, writes Charles Smith-Jones
The Egyptian goose is not actually a goose, despite its name and appearance – it is a duck more closely related to our native shelduck. It is also known as the Nile goose for its association with the Nile Valley, where it was once held to be sacred by the ancient Egyptians.
Non-native to the UK it occurs naturally across much of Africa, where it is the most widespread of the waterfowl wherever there is suitable habitat. The RSPB has estimated that there may be about 1,000 breeding pairs in this country, with many more overwintering. Though birds tend to be loyal to their home ranges and not truly migratory, they may disperse more widely during the winter.
Ornamental
The Egyptian goose is popular as an ornamental species and has established itself in the wild here largely as a result of escapes from zoos and other collections. It has similarly colonised other parts of western Europe and elsewhere, adapting readily to many environments. It can be a prolific breeder and has been known to hybridise with other wildfowl species.
Other negative impacts include an ability to out-compete native species for resources and nest sites, where it is noted for its aggression, especially while breeding. In large numbers it can also be responsible for overgrazing, crop damage and has a potential to spread diseases.
For these reasons the Egyptian goose is recognised as an invasive alien under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019, which enabled wider EU legislation aimed at preventing and minimising the impact of the introduction and spread of non-native animals and plants. It may accordingly be controlled under the provisions of two general licences currently in force.
A distinctive waterbird with a largely light brown body, the Egyptian goose has conspicuous chocolate-brown eyepatches, a similar patch on the chest and a black tail and flight feathers. The white wing patches contrast strongly when seen in flight. The legs and bill are pink. Young geese are duller in colour with a grey tinge to their forewings, a darker crown of the head and neck and yellowish legs and beak. The sexes
become highly territorial towards others of its own kind as well as other species. Intruders are frequently seen off in spectacular ‘dog fights’ and they have even been known to attack drones that invade their airspace.
Nests may be built on the ground or in burrows but are often sited in tree holes or in the abandoned structures of other birds. Soon after hatching, the goslings leave the nest by simply falling to the ground, their light weight and downy feathers allowing them to do so in relative safety. The parent birds call from below throughout in encouragement
“The birds are highly territorial and have been known to attack drones”
but offer no other assistance. The young are precocial and, though protected and cared for by their parents, start to forage for themselves immediately.
Opinions regarding the Egyptian goose’s qualities as a table bird seem to be widely divided. Some consider it rich and gamey, while others are less impressed and suggest various recipes along the lines of marinating the plucked bird overnight in red wine and brandy before wrapping it in bacon and roasting, only then to throw the bird away and enjoy the bacon with a glass of the gravy. Perhaps Sporting Gun readers who have had better success can share a suitably tasty way of preparing one?
On-site café and bar, archery, 35m air rifle range, fishing lakes, campsite and a ninebed Georgian guest house.
Half-hour lessons start from £50 and include 30 clays and cartridges, which can be shared between two people. Discounts are available for members and those booking a course of three lessons or more.
There’s a very respectable selection of clay disciplines on offer, though experienced shooters will probably make their way to the 12-stand Sporting course first, where a modern Promatic smart-card system allows for easy solo operation of all traps and targets.
The Skeet, Compak and ABT sections are also well appointed, with modern traps and recently installed floodlighting, allowing for late-night shooting on Wednesdays. The Sporting, Compak and practice stands are covered, so shooters can enjoy the targets no matter the weather.
A wide range of tuition options are available on-site and across all disciplines offered. Training sessions can be booked per half hour or on a per-shot basis, starting from just £1.80 a pop.
Lea Marston Shooting Ground must be commended for its accessibility, with the entire site being designed with disabled shooters in mind. Funding from the National Lottery and Sport England has enabled Lea Marston to showcase just how accessible clay shooting can be for all.
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