Greylag Geese

Grass isn’t very nutritious. Animals seem to have to chew it for ages, have multiple stomachs, keep it fermenting for far longer than is comfortable and have big bellies if they eat grass. Thinking about it, they’re not that different from me.

Greylag Geese are all over Westray at the moment because the farmers have created the perfect habitat for them: acres and acres of fresh green grass. It must be like waking up and seeing delicious breakfast as far as your eyes can see.

Greylag Geese - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

They have beautiful grey on their wings and amusing orange beaks:

Grass is there because generations of farmers have gradually altered the natural ecosystem and cultivated a grass monoculture to raise cattle and sheep.

The Geese are thriving on it and have big, full bellies.

Greylag Geese - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

I doubt the farmers are happy.

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