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Goosanders return to the Montgomery Canal

A pair of Goosanders has been spotted on the Wern Nature Reserve close to Burgedin, in Powys. 

Subsequently, the male was seen on the canal close by. Their scientific name is Mergus merganser and they are a member of the sawbill family.

So called because of their long, serrated bills which help to catch slippery fish. The males have a dark green head and the females a rusty brown head. They are timid creatures and will fly off or dive to escape any intrusion.

It was reported locally that last year they had a number of chicks although it is not known how many survived. It is to be hoped that this will be repeated this year and they raise a successful family. A delight to see – watch this space.