I've seen quite a lot of goosander in northern England in recent years. The surprising thing is that I've often seen them surface having caught crayfish. I didn't even think crayfish were present in NW England until I saw this.
Hmmmm …. Great video as always but can’t give it a like am afraid. They are a major pest on upland rivers where they decimate the juvenile salmonids which are pretty well the only prey species available. Loose groups? They are present in flocks up to 20 on the River Wye. Their proliferation may be as a result of unintended consequences as they nest in trees their nests are probably raided by mink. The numbers of mink has been reduced since otters have become more prevalent….
The arrival of goosanders coincides with the decline in fish in our rivers. They may have arrived naturally but they should be heavily controlled by lethal methods.
I've seen quite a lot of goosander in northern England in recent years. The surprising thing is that I've often seen them surface having caught crayfish. I didn't even think crayfish were present in NW England until I saw this.
I love your videos. Frequently disturbed by the comments though.
Hmmmm …. Great video as always but can’t give it a like am afraid. They are a major pest on upland rivers where they decimate the juvenile salmonids which are pretty well the only prey species available. Loose groups? They are present in flocks up to 20 on the River Wye. Their proliferation may be as a result of unintended consequences as they nest in trees their nests are probably raided by mink. The numbers of mink has been reduced since otters have become more prevalent….
The arrival of goosanders coincides with the decline in fish in our rivers. They may have arrived naturally but they should be heavily controlled by lethal methods.