When the lesser white-fronted geese arrive in Norway during mid May, the ground is still partly covered with ice and snow. The lessers will then utilize the snow free outermost part of the seashore. Here they'll feed on fresh shots of creeping alkali grass, a nutrient-rich typical arctic grass dominating the vegetation at the staging sites in the north.
At arrival in Finnmark the geese are lean after the long migration from the wintering areas. The staging period the Valdak Marshes usually lasts for one week. All the individual geese do not arrive at the same time, so during a period of three weeks different groups of lessers can be seen at the marshes. During this period the geese needs to fatten up before the breeding season. It is especially important for the females since she will produce and brood a egg clutch of up to six eggs. Therefore, the female will feed almost continuously, while the male will spend most of his time watching for enemies like red foxes and birds of prey such as golden eagles and gyr falcons.
During the staging period the lessers will leave the site for shorter periods. It is likely that they do reconnaissance flights to the breeding areas in search for suitable nesting sites. If it is to much snow they will return to continue feeding.
