Geese Festival FAQ
When do the first wild geese arrive? (Tata Lakes Ramsar Area)
The migration of wild geese that overwinter in the Carpathian Basin begins in August from their breeding grounds. The early birds, later followed by the flocks, arrive in Hungary at the end of September or early October.
Around November 10, flock sizes surpass 10,000 individuals, and from there on, the numbers can increase exponentially.
The maximum number they reach in a given year depends on factors such as reproduction success, the condition of wetlands and feeding sites, weather conditions and various anthropogenic factors (e.g., disturbance).
Which other wetlands do wild geese use?
Several water bodies around town are visited by the geese at the beginning of the season, especially the Asszony Lake, the Ferencmajor Fishponds, the Boldogasszony Lake, and the Grébicsi Fishponds. While only a few hundred or thousand geese are in the region, they do not even use the Old Lake as a resting and overnight stop. However, the other sites are difficult for visitors to access, as they are mostly private property and not freely accessible.
When do the geese leave the Old Lake in the morning?
The wild geese take off from the Old Lake around sunrise. The exact time can vary. At the start of the season, take-off can happen between 6:20 and 6:50 a.m. As winter proceeds, it is best to arrive at the lakeshore by 7:00 a.m. The last geese often take off around 9:00 a.m.
Take-off may be influenced by external factors. In foggy or damp weather, it can be delayed, while on clear, sunny days, it can happen quite quickly. The appearance of a predator (e.g., an eagle, a fox, a dog, or even someone walking by) can also hasten the departure.
When do the geese return to the Old Lake?
The wild geese return to the Old Lake around sunset, typically between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. Initially, only a few small reconnaissance groups appear in the air above the lake. Aftermaking sure thge site is safe, they return to their companions. The ’main flock’ arrives between 4:15 and 4:45 p.m. in December; in November, they return a bit later due to the later sunset.
Just like in the morning, the return can be affected by other factors. on overcast or misty days they return earlier, while in sunny, clear weather, they may spend more time feeding and not return until darkness.
Where do the geese feed?
After their morning take-off, the wild geese head to their feeding grounds. They do not feed in the wetlands where they rest overnight. Since there are no large natural meadows near Tata, they gather leftover grain from nearby cereal fields, particularly cornfields. Once these fields are plowed, they move on to autumn crops.
The flock usually stay within 30–40 km of their overnight habitat. Frequently visited fields are located in the settlements of Tata, Kocs, Naszály, Mocsa, Szákszend, Nagyigmánd, Kömlőd and Környe.
When is the best time to visit the Old Lake?
The first large flocks appear around November 10. At this time, the water level in the lake reaches the right height for them, and the sandbanks in the middle of the lake, where the geese prefer to spend the night, become visible. They find a variety of water depths, which protect them from mammalian predators.
A population peak usually occurs between the end of November and mid-December. In the autumn of 2021, a record 64,500 wild geese were counted on the Old Lake on the day of the Tata Wild Geese Festival!
If you want to see many wild geese, it is recommended to visit the Old Lake between November 25 and December 24.
Check the „Geese Counter” on the website and the webcam feed to help plan your visit!
Where is the best spot to observe and photograph the geese?
Around the Old Lake, there is a 7 km long paved walking path. The northern and eastern sides are paved with asphalt, while the southern and western sides have a gravel surface. From this path, you can get an excellent view of the daily movements of the wild geese.
On the eastern side, the section of the shore beneath the birdwatching tower is a well-known spot for both observing the take-off and return of the geese. In the morning, the rising sun beautifully illuminates the departing geese, while in the evening, the setting sun provides a stunning backdrop for the returning geese.
Suitable observation points:
Eastern side
47.644570, 18.333863
47.638586, 18.339134
47.641736, 18.337737
Western side
47.643509, 18.322237
47.640004, 18.321745
IMPORTANT: We ask all visitors to observe and photograph the geese from the established walking path. Do NOT enter the lakebed! Warning signs are in place. The movements near the lake are regularly monitored by the National Park rangers.
What to bring to the goose watch?
It is essential to have warm, layered, waterproof clothing. If we are waiting for the geese to arrive or depart, layered clothing is crucial to avoid getting cold while standing for long periods. It’s also recommended to bring hot drinks.
If you have binoculars, bring them along. Binoculars and telescopes provide a much richer experience.
How to count the wild geese?
The exact population of wild geese is always recorded during the morning departure. At this time, all the geese are visible in the given wetland area.
Upon arriving at the site, we first perform a quick count using hand binoculars and/or a telescope (a high-magnification stand-mounted telescope) to observe the geese resting on the water or mudflats. This count is less precise, as the geese may cover each other, and when they are tightly packed, it becomes difficult to count them accurately.
The precise count occurs when the geese take off and settle in the horizon. At this point, we use our binoculars to count 50, 100, or 200 birds and extrapolate that number to estimate the total number of geese in the flock. This process is repeated for each group of geese to arrive at a total count finally.
It’s best if multiple people count independently at the same time, as this helps support each other’s work and provides a control to ensure accuracy.
Why is the water level of the Old Lake lowered?
The Old Lake in Tata has a so-called water use permit, which sets specific threshold levels for the entire year. This permit aims to consider the interests of all ’lake users’, including the birds.
During the wild geese season, fishing and nature conservation are the primary users of the lake, alongside flood prevention.
The lowering of the Old Lake starts in the first days of October. Initially, there is an intense water release and then the lake gradually reaches the so-called „wild geese level.” This level is between 0 and minus 40 cm. This level was determined by nature conservation specialists based on decades of observation. The wild geese water level is maintained until the end of January, after which the lake is allowed to refill.
The northern part of the lake has four sluices in the embankment through which water management experts can release water from the lake. The main water source for the Old Lake is the Által Creek, which flows into its southern part.
How long do the wild geese stay?
If the winter is mild, and the Old Lake does not freeze over and thick snow does not cover the feeding areas, the geese stay until mid-February. However, if the winter is harsh, they will continue their migration to the west and southwest.
