Goosanders

In recent years, the number of Goosanders seen at Westport Lake in Stoke-on-Trent has increased considerably.  These are predatory fish eaters and they have a long and thin, serrated edged beak.

Notice the sharp edge between the brown and white feathers on the neck.  A near relative species, the Merganser has a merged margin to these neck colours and it shows a less distinct boarder.

Goosanders hunt in packs, perhaps 2-6 birds swimming in a row. This strategy is very well organized.

The hunting birds swim quickly forward with their heads in the water.  This enables them to see and fish in the catch zone and allows them to select suitable prey that they can swallow whole.  Any fish that divert to the side may be caught by one of the other pack members.

Goosanders can move faster on the surface than they can swim under water, so this method of hunting allows then to cover a larger area of lake or river very quickly.  They will dive for food.

The local gulls tend to keep out of the way of this organized hunt.  They tend to compete rather than cooperate in food gathering.

You cannot watch birds on Westport Lake without spotting groups of Tufted ducks.  These are part of the resident community.

Grey Herons are also a likely bird to see.  There is usually the odd one perched on a tree or rock, often resting after a successful hunt. Herons are opportunists and ambush predators.