Sighting date: 2023-04-28.
Submitted by: Dee Gaffney.
Location: On River Eden, East of Carlisle, about 500 metres before the river goes under the M6. NY 429568.
I saw an odd thing yesterday, 6 small goosanders – about half the size of an adult – swimming together along the River Eden, upstream from Carlisle. I was exploring the river bank by bike from the centre of Carlisle upstream and got nearly as far as the M6. Several things seemed odd – the birds were more developed than I’d expect for April 28th, and there was no visible mother with them. I admit I was concerned for them. Sadly, their future will be one thing I never know.
The river seems nice and clean, i saw several fish jumping.
is it unusual to see baby goosanders this early in the season?