GOOSANDER
Mergus merganser
If Mergansers look scruffy then Goosanders look immaculate, especially the males, their big bodies entirely cream-coloured apart from a neat black line across the back and the contrasting black-looking head. Females might be mistaken for red-head Mergansers but see how the rich chestnut colour on the head ends abruptly at the neck and contrasts neatly with the pale chest. Also, the white wing panel lacks a dark line through it and the bill distinctively droops down at the tip instead of being swept up. The crest can look shaggy but a neatly hanging mane is more typical. In flight Goosanders have similar wing markings to Mergansers but the male Goosander has much more white on his body and the female lacks the dark line through the pale wing panel.
Habitat
Breeds on the shores of wooded lochs and rivers. Winters on reservoirs, lakes and occasionally estuaries.
Migration
Migratory to partially migratory. Icelandic and Alpine birds don't appear to migrate at all while British birds move to more sheltered locations during the winter. Birds from northern Scandinavia, however, move south for the winter. Most of the males in the European population migrate in July and August to North Norway to moult
Cormorants- Phalacrocorax carbo
The Great Cormorant- Phalacrocorax carbo
Anglers, fishery owners and fish farmers have been concerned about the increasing number of fish-eating birds in this country. It is a commonly held belief that the Government doesn't care and that anglers representatives have given up trying to do anything about the problem. This is certainly not the case; the Moran Committee - comprising the 13 principle fisheries and angling organisations, has bird predation high on their agenda. Working with the RSPB, English Nature, DEFRA and the Environment Agency, the Committee hopes to acheive agreement on the best approach to the problem that will be almost impossible for the Government to ignore. The problem can only be tackled through a strategy developed and implemented by the Government which takes into account the need to conserve both fish and birds.The Moran Committee has produced a number of fact sheets on cormorants as part of its campaign to secure support and co-orporation. Further information can be obtained on their website, www.cormorants.info
The Great Cormorant is a large black bird, 77-94 cm in length with a 121-149 cm wingspan. It has a longish tail and yellow throat-patch. Adults have white thigh patches in the breeding season. In European waters it can be distinguished from the Common Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge.
RDevDSFB POLICY ON PISCIVOROUS BIRDS
The Deveron District Salmon Fishery Board apply for an annual control licence from the Scottish Government after undertaking piscivorous bird counts during late autumn/winter.