Female Goldeneye

Female Goldeneye on a small inland lake, Winter UK. Lying at water level for several hours is not the most comfortable activity but well worth it to get right down to eye level with the birds and minimise distractions. 

Female Goldeneye : More About the Goldeneye

Goldeneye are typically found on coastal waters, however they can also be seen on inland lakes and reservoirs, particularly during the Winter months when the UK population gets a massive boost from just 200 pairs to more than 27000 birds. Very rare breeding birds in the UK, significant resident populations can only be found in Scotland, where they have nested there since the 1970’s. Males and females  are sexually dimorphic. The male is particularly striking in the breeding season with a green head, a white cheek patch and a black and white neck and body. Adult females have a brown head and a mostly grey body.

More information on Goldeneye can be found on the RSPB website.