Winter Wildfowl on Ullswater: Goldeneye, Goosander and What to Look For

20 November 2026

Goldeneye

Goldeneye are the winter duck that birders specifically travel to Ullswater to see. They arrive from Scandinavia and northern Russia in October, peak in December and January, and begin moving north again in March. The males in winter plumage are striking: black-and-white body, rounded dark green head (which can appear black), and the bright yellow eye that gives the species its name.

They feed by diving, typically to depths of 2 to 4 metres. On a calm day you can count the seconds between each dive — usually 10 to 20 seconds — and start to predict roughly where the bird will resurface. Watch a group of diving goldeneye and the collective rhythm of their feeding becomes almost hypnotic.

The male courtship display begins in late January and continues through February and March. The male throws his head back in an extreme backwards movement, exposing the white cheek patches, then snaps his head forward. Multiple males displaying simultaneously around a single female is one of the more spectacular duck displays in Britain.

Goosander

Goosander are resident on Ullswater year-round. They are long, streamlined fish-eating ducks with serrated bills and a low profile on the water. The male in winter is white with a pink flush and a dark green head; the female is grey-bodied with a chestnut-brown head and a prominent ragged crest. Both sexes are often seen resting on exposed rocks along the water's edge.

Goosander breed in tree holes beside the lake and rivers. In late winter the females begin prospecting nest sites in the valley woodland. Courtship is in January and February. By May the female is incubating eggs in a tree cavity and the male has largely abandoned her. The female brings the ducklings down from the nest — sometimes a considerable distance if the tree is far from water — within 24 hours of hatching.

Where to watch

The northern end of Ullswater near Pooley Bridge (CA10 2NQ) is the most productive winter wildfowl area. The village car park gives access to the lakeshore. Walk south along the west bank for a kilometre and scan the open water. Goldeneye tend to congregate in small groups at 50 to 200 metres from the shore.

The Ullswater Steamers run on a reduced winter timetable but the boats give excellent views of birds on the water. The 35-minute journey from Glenridding to Howtown passes through the main wintering wildfowl areas. In winter the steamers are quiet and you can scan the water from the deck without other passengers blocking the view.