The Hertford Goosander

5th March 2026

I had popped down to Hartham Common to see if the Kingfisher was about. No luck there but the long-staying female Goosander was once again on the weir. Unfortunately, one must question the origin of this bird as Goosanders are fairly uncommon winter visitors to Hertfordshire and normally confined to places like Amwell and the Ashley Pit in Cheshunt, This individal was first reported from Hartham Common on the 14th August 2025, which is a ridiculously early date for a winter visitor. Also, ranging as far as Ware, she is very tame and can be photographed down to five yards as can be seen from some of the photos.

Even provided a wing-flap which only just fitted in the frame.

But even more worrying about her origin is the fact that she climbed out of the water on to the bank to steal some bread that had been put out for the ducks. Here she is soaking the bread in the water to soften it, which suggests she may have done that before. I wonder where she learnt that?

Still a lovely bird though.

Also good to have a catch-up with Trevor Charnley.