The Wildlife of
Gibside

 
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Ducks, Grebes and Coots - The Goosander

First seen on Sunday 5th June 2022 at Gibside

The Goosander is a fish eating diving duck, found on rivers, reservoirs or small lakes. The male and female are quite different. The female (here) is grey, with a red-brown head. The male is white with a deep green head. They both have red bills and red legs and feet, so are quite distinctive and easy to identify. Goosander's bills are hooked at the end and they have serrated edges like teeth, which is why these and similar birds are known as sawbills. This family (mum and fifteen young!) were swimming along the river Derwent - on the river walk.