The goosander (Mergus merganser)
… is a sedentary bird, and short-distance and nocturnal migrant
This water bird, measuring 58-66 cm in length, surprisingly breeds in tree hollows, rock coves and sometimes even in buildings, feeding primarily off fish. The goosander belongs to the anatidae family, and is found around lakes and streams. It spends the winter by coasts and seas rich in fish, primarily between Northern Europe and Iceland.
Very few pairs breed in Vorarlberg; 200 to 300 birds head to the Rhine Delta for the moulting season in summer, and in winter numbers drop to between 50 and 150.
For birdwatching you’ll get free of charge binoculars from Swarovski!
