Overview: Welfare science for common goldeneyes, migratory diving ducks wintering in UK waters and breeding in Scandinavia.
Key Welfare Facts
Common goldeneyes winter on Scottish lochs and reservoirs, diving for molluscs, crustaceans, and aquatic insects.
Disturbance by watercraft and anglers displaces birds from prime feeding areas, increasing energy expenditure.
Fishing line and hook ingestion causes injury, entanglement, and starvation in affected individuals.
Cavity-nesting behaviour makes goldeneyes dependent on mature woodland with suitable tree holes near water.
Nest box schemes in Scotland have successfully encouraged breeding by this cavity-nesting species.
Scottish breeders face competition for nest sites from red-breasted mergansers and other hole-using species.
Welfare Assessment
Goldeneye welfare benefits from reduced disturbance at key wintering sites and provision of nest boxes near suitable lochs. Responsible angling practices that prevent tackle loss protect individual birds from painful injury and death.
What You Can Do
Follow watercraft exclusion zones at sensitive diving duck wintering areas
Ensure fishing tackle is retrieved and disposed of safely to prevent wildlife entanglement
Support nest box installation programmes for goldeneye at suitable Scottish lochs
Donate to organisations providing wildlife casualty care for entangled diving ducks