Ducks, Geese & Swans in Herefordshire
17 species matching this filter.
Herefordshire's rivers, lakes and wetlands provide excellent habitat for 17 species of ducks, geese and swans. The River Wye and its tributaries attract a diverse range of wildfowl, from the ubiquitous Mallard and Canada Goose to more striking species such as the Mandarin Duck, Goldeneye and Long-tailed Duck. The county's mix of pastoral farmland and riverside meadows makes it a rewarding destination for waterfowl enthusiasts throughout the year.
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common resident found on lakes, rivers and farmland pools throughout the county, often in noisy flocks on gravel banks.
Year-round
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
An uncommon resident breeding along the Wye and its tributaries. Often seen in small parties fishing the clear, fast-flowing stretches.
Year-round
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
Rare passage visitor in March, occasionally dropping in at gravel pits or flooded meadows along the Wye and Lugg valleys.
Mar
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
An uncommon winter visitor to flooded pastures and reservoirs, present from September through to April.
Sep–Apr
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
An uncommon resident found on lakes and reservoirs, though largely absent during midsummer. Numbers increase in winter.
Aug–May
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally seen on larger pools and reservoirs in January, March, and December.
Dec–Mar
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
An uncommon resident, with feral populations frequenting lakes, pools, and riverside meadows across the county almost year-round.
Aug–Jun
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A rare passage visitor, with records confined to November. This sea duck is a genuine oddity on Herefordshire's inland waters.
Nov
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Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
A common year-round resident on rivers, pools and farmland ditches across the county. Readily seen along the River Wye.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
An uncommon but established resident, favouring wooded stretches of the Wye and Arrow valleys where overhanging trees provide nest holes.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A familiar year-round resident on the River Wye and its tributaries, often seen gliding gracefully on calm stretches and gravel pits.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
A rare winter visitor to flooded fields and pools, most likely seen between autumn and early spring on low-lying farmland.
Sep–Mar
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
An uncommon non-breeding visitor to the county's lakes and pools, present from autumn through to spring. Favours shallow, muddy waters.
Sep–Apr
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
A rare passage visitor in March and October, occasionally seen flying over farmland or settling on flooded fields during migration.
Oct–Mar
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
A rare winter visitor to lakes and reservoirs, this declining diving duck occurs from October to March.
Oct–Mar
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
An uncommon resident on deeper lakes and pools, with numbers bolstered in winter. Breeds locally at suitable still-water sites.
Aug–Jun
Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnusLC
An uncommon passage visitor, occasionally seen in December on flooded meadows along the Wye and Lugg valleys.
Dec