They arrived overnight on Friday and settled down on the reservoir to rest and recuperate before the next stage of their journey.

I was not expecting them to still be there this morning (Sunday) and it was sheer good fortune that I was filming them when they decided to leave.

I was a little overwhelmed emotionally as I watched them go. Their world though degraded and damaged by us still works. They have a certainty and a purpose that they all understand.

Our world is sliding into chaos and uncertainty. How I wished I could have joined them as they flew away calling and honking on their way to Ireland.

Hope to see them next year. Good luck Whoopers have a safe journey.