Goosanders & The Calder

Facts

• Goosanders are a Freshwater diving duck,
• They are in a Family of Ducks called Sawbills because of their narrow bills with saw-like 'teeth' which are good for gripping fish.
• Goosanders are excellent at fishing, but their diet, which includes Salmon and Trout, and the ecosystem and water quality of Cromwell Bottom is conducive to this relationship
• The male Goosander has a dark green head, a black back and a long, red bill with a hook at the tip. The white sides and breast sometimes have a pink glow.
• The female is grey with a gingery or rufous brown head and a white throat.
• Males may not be seen in Summer as it is known that the this species has a unique migratory behaviour where it will leave for the FFjords of Norway in Summer to Moult returning in Nov Dec Females remain in this country with a few solitary males to moult

• Goosanders Mergus merganser is also known as Common Merganser Mergus merganser
• They have an estimated life Span of 7 years
• Common Mergansers typically nest in tree cavities wet woodland areas and around large crack willows close to water
• Goosanders are mainly a River Duck and is similar to the Red breasted merganiser which tends to shallower waters of coastal nature Eg estuarines etc