A few years ago Goldeneye would start to arrive early October and stay until April but over the last couple of years things have changed with the first birds arriving late December or even into the new year with much lower numbers and less reports.
My first Goldeneye in the winter of 2013 into 2014 were 3 female on Mixenden 1/1/14 with the first male appearing on Ogden 19/1/14.
My first for the winter of 2014 into 2015 were 2 females on Mixenden 26/12/14 and 3 male on Ogden the same day.
With Goldeneye reported as moving by BTO lets hope we can get some November birds on our waters.
A quick check of a bird less Raggalds Flood pre work this a.m. was the full amount of birding for me today with the usual weekend thick fog catching me out by arriving Saturday afternoon instead of early Sunday morning.
Looking out now, 2000 hrs ,its clear, wet and windy which will suffice for me in the morning as long as the fog keeps away.
Just to remind you what a Goldeneye looks like here are some last year birds.
Mixendens long staying Gt Northern Diver.
BS.