Ducks, Geese & Swans in Cumbria

Cumbria's diverse wetland habitats — from the expansive Solway Firth and Morecambe Bay estuaries to the tranquil lakes and tarns of the Lake District — make it an outstanding county for ducks, geese and swans. With 28 species recorded, birdwatchers can enjoy sightings ranging from large wintering flocks of Barnacle Geese and Eurasian Wigeon to resident breeders such as Common Shelduck and Greylag Goose. Scarcer visitors including Bar-headed Goose and Hooded Merganser add an element of surprise for keen observers.

Showing 24–30 of 30 species

Pochard

Aythya ferinaVU

A rare non-breeding visitor to lowland lakes and reservoirs. Numbers have declined nationally, making sightings increasingly notable.

Jun–Mar

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serratorLC

An uncommon resident along the coast and estuaries, also breeding on some upland rivers and lakes.

Year-round

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Ross's Goose

Anser rossiiLC

An extremely rare visitor in midwinter, likely of uncertain origin. May associate with other wintering goose flocks on lowland fields.

Jan

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Smew

Mergellus albellusLC

A rare late-winter visitor, occasionally appearing on sheltered lakes and reservoirs during cold spells from the continent.

Feb

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Swan Goose

Anser cygnoidesEN

A rare November visitor, almost certainly an escapee from captive collections. May appear on lakes or grazing marshes.

Nov

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligulaLC

An uncommon year-round resident on lakes and tarns, diving for invertebrates across Cumbria's freshwaters.

Year-round

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Whooper Swan

Cygnus cygnusLC

A winter visitor to lowland lakes and estuaries, arriving from Iceland. Flocks gather on wetlands from autumn to early spring.

Sep–Apr

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Frequently Asked Questions