Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

Willen Lake  - 16th-28th December 2008

Photos copyright Dick Bodily

Above 2 Photos copyright Mike Wallen

Photo copyright Ken Earnshaw

This drake was present at Willen South Lake for an extended stay allowing a number of birders to catch up this infrequent visitor to the county.  At times it was seen associating with the closely related Goosander, of which several were present.

This species is normally seen between November and March and was more frequently seen in the 1990s than the 2000s.  This is the first record for two years.  To view a graph of records of this species in the county click here.