Ducks, Geese & Swans in Cumbria
28 species matching this filter.
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 24–28 of 28 species
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
A rare non-breeding visitor to lowland lakes and reservoirs. Numbers have declined nationally, making sightings increasingly notable.
Jun–Mar
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serratorLC
An uncommon resident along the coast and estuaries, also breeding on some upland rivers and lakes.
Year-round
Smew
Mergellus albellusLC
A rare late-winter visitor, occasionally appearing on sheltered lakes and reservoirs during cold spells from the continent.
Feb
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
An uncommon year-round resident on lakes and tarns, diving for invertebrates across Cumbria's freshwaters.
Year-round
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