The Wildlife of
Holy Island

 
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Ducks, Grebes and Coots - The Red-breasted Merganser

First seen on Tuesday 3rd December 2019 at Holy Island

The Merganser is a fish eating diving duck, normally found on the coast. These were seen near the shore on the eastern side of the castle. The male and female are quite different. The females which are grey, with a red-brown head. The male is grey and brown with a deep green head. They both have spiky hair, red bills and red legs and feet, so are quite distinctive. Their bills have serrated edges like teeth, which is why these and similar birds are known as sawbills.


 



When the tide is high, sea birds and waders often roost on St Cuthbert's Island. These Mergansers were roosting, preening and there was even a bit of spring-time posturing and displaying...