Vagrant Duck Surprise

Just in case anyone is interested, I had an adult female goosander briefly this afternoon (Friday 27^th January) at the mouth of Kinloch Burn. Being a ‘sawbill duck’ this species is similar to female red-breasted mergansers, but they are larger with a thicker base to the bill. The main distinguishing feature seen in the only photo I managed to get is the clear demarcation between the reddish head and upper neck and whitish breast. Looking at the old NCC bird checklist from 1984 I see that the last record was 1982, although I know Sean had a female two years ago I think. Anyway, it’s not a glossy ibis, but quite welcome nonetheless.   

Adult female goosander, Kinloch 27th Jan 2012