Back in March I reported that we saw a pair of Goosanders on our bit of the river. This was the first time we have seen them in years of walking down there. For a couple of weeks they were both there together, then suddenly they disappeared. About 2 weeks ago we spotted the male, on his own, diving and fishing. We assumed the female might be sitting on a nest somewhere. Then he disappeared and we haven't seen him since.
Yesterday and today we saw the female, on her own. Both times, she was diving and fishing, then had a wash and brush up on a rock before flying off down river. Apparently Goosander females are the ones who incubate the eggs etc. There were no signs of any chicks, and no signs of the male. Does anyone know what might be happening? I would love to see some chicks.
Here she is, after her wash and brush up.
Cheers, Linda.
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I am only guessing, but could she have been taking a break from a nest during a warm spell. Surely either the eggs can be left for short periods, or the male gives his mate a break occasionally? She has to feed and bathe sometime!