Flight Of Barnacle Geese, Rammelwaard, Holland Stock Photo

The dutch government has a number of areas designated which can be used as the water level of the river rises too far, like here in the Rammelwaard, the forelands of the river IJssel. The dynamics of changing water levels has created a valuable natural river habitat with many birds like these barnacle geese. The barnacle goose Branta leucopsis is a medium-sized, sociable goose, with black head, neck and breast with creamy-white face, which contrasts with the white belly, blue-grey barred back and black tail, flying in packs and long lines, with a noisy chorus of barking or yapping sounds.