What goosander chicks may lack in size, they certainly make up for in courage! Mothers usually nest in places such as holes in trees, or sometimes rocks or more unsuspecting locations, such as hollow logs on the ground, or in buildings. Once they hatch, chicks sometimes have to make daring journeys to the nearest body of water, however far that might be – 1.5km has been recorded! Footage by FilmNature.co.uk | RSPB

As well as being great at fishing, goosanders are also impressive babysitters! These birds form creches, with one adult looking after several broods - which is why you can sometimes see a single adult with up to 20 chicks. 🤯 This goosander creche was spotted making its way along the river Otter recently. 🦆 Learn more about the wildlife you can find along Devon's rivers 👇 https://buff.ly/oT1vAUT 📷: Steve at DWT | Devon Wildlife Trust

Happy #FreedomFriday! In September, we received a Common Merganser (Mergus merganser). Despite the name, he was an uncommon intake for us! The rescuer had seen this animal hanging around his domestic duck yard, not flying or eating. On the second day, he called us to figure out what to do! Wild waterfowl are very demanding to maintain! Captivity is extremely stressful for them, which taxes the immune system. We automatically start them on antifungal treatment to prevent fungal infections from ta

Common merganser babies, also known as merganser ducklings or ducklings of the common merganser (Mergus merganser), are adorable waterfowl that hatch from eggs. Here's some information about common merganser babies: Appearance: Common merganser ducklings have a distinct appearance. They are covered in soft, downy feathers that are usually grayish or brownish in color. Their heads are often striped or mottled, with a combination of dark and light colors. As they grow, their feathers will develop

No one gets past this little Common Merganser! Watch this growing chick catch every single fish with zero traces left behind! 📹 Mackenzie Preble | International Bird Rescue