We usually see a female goosander circling around us each spring on the Wern, as if looking for a suitable nest site, or waiting for us to be out of the way before she settles on a nest. This year though, although we've seen a pair on the canal occasionally, there has been no evidence of potential breeding. But today, the wonderful and surprising sight of a female goosander with 6 small young on the canal, was all the proof needed to know that goosanders have indeed bred successfully here, and it was all the more special for me as it was the first time I've ever seen a young goosander family. I only hope they avoid danger - we know there are some pretty large pike around, not to mention mink.
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Notable Recent Sightings
29/05 | Pink-footed Goose | 1, over Welshpool, photo'd on 09/06 |
01/05 | Red-throated Diver | 1, Llyn Clywedog |
07/02 | Whooper Swan | 44, Lake Vyrnwy |
31/01 | Whooper Swan | 51, Haimwood, Llandrinio |
17/11 | Firecrest | 2, Castle Caereinion |
07/11 | Barnacle Goose | 1 among Canada Geese, Llyn Coed-y-Dinas |
07/11 | Hawfinch | a few, Lake Vyrnwy, also Bramblings |
01/11 | Short-eared Owl | 1, Cefn Coch Wind-farm |
01/11 | Great Grey Shrike | Gregynog |
28/10 | Great Grey Shrike | Lake Vyrnwy, also 1 on 30th at Eunant |
25/09 | Gannet | 1 juv grounded near Caersws |
07/09 | Nightjar | 1, photographed near Pontrobert |
17/07 | Quail | RSPB Lake Vyrnwy, also heard 20/06 and 08/07 |
24/04 | Long-eared Owl | 2, RSPB Lake Vyrnwy |
16/04 | Purple Heron | 1, Cors Dyfi |
05/03 | Firecrest | 1, Lake Vyrnwy |
05/03 | Short-eared Owl | 1, Lake Vyrnwy |
14/01 | Pink-footed Goose | 1, Dolydd Hafren |
03/01 | Waxwing | 20, Meifod; also 5 Welshpool by canal on 01/01. Last: 6 Bwlch-y-Garreg 17/03 |
See Sightings Archive for older records |
Lovely shots Sue
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