Goosander

Yesterday’s Redshank was well received so I am pleased to provide another bird for your delectation.

This is a female Goosander.

Apart from being beautiful creatures Goosanders are very unusual ducks.
Here are just two facts of several which set them apart from most other ducks:
1. They catch fish under water having a very speedy swimming capability.

2. The male migrates to the North Cape in Norway to moult, leaving the female to look after herself.

Yesterday’s Redshank was on the shore at Arnside. This Goosander was on the edge of Lake Windermere. In fact it was at Bowness, a honeypot place which we would never go to in summer. But in January, with some pale sunshine and lakeside paths it made an enjoyable morning.