southend pier & railway

The brent goose is a small, compact goose that visits the Thames Estuary, including Southend Pier, during the winter months. Known for its striking black head and neck with a white neck patch, the brent goose has a dark grey-brown body and lighter underparts. These geese migrate thousands of miles from their Arctic breeding grounds to feed on the eelgrass and other vegetation found in the estuary’s mudflats. 

They are highly social birds, often seen in flocks grazing on marshes or resting along the shorelines. Brent geese are relatively quiet compared to other geese, but their gentle calls add to the soundscape of the estuary during winter. They are vital to the estuary ecosystem and a key highlight for birdwatchers visiting Southend Pier. Their small size, dark plumage, and large flocks make them easier to spot from a distance during their winter stay.