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Helpston's wildlife

Goosander

Goosanders are regular visitors to Maxey Pits in winter and can often be seen flying up and down the Maxey Cut. Up to 30 birds have been seen gathering to roost on the reed bed pit at Maxey Pits.

The goosander is a striking bird - it is almost the size of a small goose, has a long hooked bill with serrated edges (hence the name sawbill) which allows it to grasp its favourite food - small fish - easily.   

It is also an interesting species too. The goosander first started breeding in this country in 1871 and has since spread as far south as Derbyshire. Interestingly it nests in holes - sometimes in trees, but also in rabbit burrows and nest boxes. Most nests are close to fast flowing rivers in upland areas.

Until quite recently there was something of a mystery about the goosander.  The vast majority of males disappeared every year in June and reappeared in October - no one knew where they went.

They have now been discovered - congregating around four fjords in the far north of Norway.  The males fly there every year to moult, leaving the females to raise the chicks.