Prvé dokázané hniezdenie husi divej (Anser anser) na Levických rybníkoch (juhozápadné Slovensko) / The first documented breeding of Greylag Goose (Anser anser) on the fishponds near Levice (SW Slovakia)

Recently, the breeding sites of Greylag Goose have been increasing in number both within Europe and in Slovakia. Due to positive population and distribution trend, Greylag Goose started breeding for the first time also in the Protected area Levické rybníky – The fish ponds near Levice, southwestern Slovakia. The first breeding of this species in the area was recorded on May 3, 2017 when a female with three goslings was observed. These geese were repeatedly observed on July 7 and July 8, 2017. Three adults of Greylag Goose were recorded on April 16, 2018, and breeding was proved by observation of three goslings in July 2018. Further breeding record was made on April 13, and assessed more precisely on April 14, 2019 when two breeding pairs with three and four chicks were noticed. Goslings were seen for the last time on April 21, 2019 and, possibly, predated. Another three pairs without chicks were also observed over the breeding season of 2019. Greylag Goose repeatedly bred on the same pond with well-developed littoral vegetation.