Ducks, Geese & Swans in Cheshire

Cheshire's diverse wetland habitats, from the meres and mosses of the Cheshire Plain to the estuarine mudflats of the Dee and Mersey, make it an outstanding county for ducks, geese and swans. With 27 species recorded, birdwatchers can enjoy sightings ranging from resident Greylag Geese and Common Shelduck to winter visitors such as Eurasian Wigeon and Goldeneye. Notable populations of Barnacle Geese and Greater White-fronted Geese add further interest during the colder months, while occasional sightings of introduced species like Egyptian Goose and Black Swan provide unexpected variety.

Showing 24–27 of 27 species

Smew

Mergellus albellusLC

A scarce winter visitor to Cheshire's meres and reservoirs, most likely between December and March. Females far outnumber striking males.

Dec–Mar

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligulaLC

Common year-round on meres, reservoirs and park lakes. Breeds across the county and numbers swell in winter.

Year-round

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianusLC

A rare passage visitor in midwinter, occasionally recorded on flooded fields or larger meres in January and February.

Jan–Feb

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Whooper Swan

Cygnus cygnusLC

A rare winter visitor arriving from Iceland, sometimes seen on flooded pastures and larger meres from October to March.

Oct–Mar

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Frequently Asked Questions