Gadwall And Goosander

Female Gadwall (Anas strepera) On The Lake 26th January 2018

No sooner had the 53rd bird species been recorded in the gardens, see blog entry 15th January 'Bird Species Number 53, The Nuthatch', than the 54th different species was spotted on the lake, a female Gadwall. Smaller than a Mallard she was spotted on the 26th January swimming tentatively at the water's edge, emerging occasionally from beneath the overhanging shrubs only to swim back to her safe place every time a larger Mallard swam close to her.

Male Goosander 22nd January 2018

Female Goosander 22nd January 2018

A species of bird expected to have been seen on the lake this winter are the Goosander who have, this year, been very low in numbers arriving, only one pair having been seen so far. The pair arrived on the 22nd January and stayed for two days but no more birds have been spotted since. Over the previous nine years they have arrived in greater numbers, ranging from as little as 12 birds to as many as 26 birds between January and early March, this year has been very slow, hopefully the migration will begin in earnest in the coming weeks. For previous years dates and numbers see blog entry 28th February 2017 'Goosander Sightings For Winter 2017'.