Goosanders at Shakerley Mere Cheshire Jan 2019

These 3 are males - were the others females. I must admit most times I see groups of them there are always more females than males.

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Cheers,

Bob

My Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bobs_retired_now/

They are very smart birds and always great to see, even if they rarely allow you to get very close.

Bobs_Still_Retired said:

I must admit most times I see groups of them there are always more females than males.

Same here. I tend to assume many of the females are in fact juveniles or eclipsed males as sometimes the ratio is very high. This year seems to be bucking the trend a bit for me though and the biggest flock I've seen so far was predominantly male.

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Nige   Flickr

In reply to Nigel O:

Nigel O said:

Same here. I tend to assume many of the females are in fact juveniles or eclipsed males as sometimes the ratio is very high.

I sometimes wonder if they are Mormons . As with most ducks, you never see the males around looking after the kids.

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Cheers,

Bob

My Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bobs_retired_now/

Male Goosanders sre a very smart looking bird,we get them breeding along our local river although we have not seen one yet this year

Pete

Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can

How lovely. I've never seen one (or never knowingly!). Really nice reflection which emphasises the odd dip in the end of the beak. Karen B Suffolk

In reply to Karen B Suffolk:

Karen, no idea where you are in Suffolk but I was at Abberton Reservoir, between Colchester & Mersea last week on the causeway road(Layer De La Haye Road) and saw quite few Goosanders along with lots of other duck species Pochard, Scaup, Goldeneye, Smew, Teal, Wigeon, Long Tail Duck etc. Just checked sightings and most are still there today.

KR
Tony

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wherryman/

In reply to tony:

Hi Tony - I live in Ipswich, and have visited Minsmere, Lackford Lakes, Dunwich Heath, Boyton Marsh and Knettishall Heath specifically to see birds... plus of course, Dedham Vale, and our lovely coastline. Very lucky to have such a choice of habitat to visit. Thanks for the tip - must get down there.. Karen B Suffolk

In reply to Karen B Suffolk:

Karen, been out all day, firstly went to Lynford Arboretum, just north of Thetford today to see Hawfinch, also saw Yellow Hammer, Marsh Tit, Siskin, Bramlingsx30, BT, GT, LTT & more, its a new find for us. Just checked Abberton sightings and Scaup, Blacknecked Grebe & Long Tail Duck still about.

KR
Tony

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wherryman/