Goosander A bird that was confirmed breeding in Wales for the first time in 1970, here at Vyrnwy. Prior to this it was found in Scotland only until the 1940s when it began a gradual move southwards into Northumberland. It is known as a sawbill, i.e. it has a long narrow jagged edged bill ideal for spearing fish. Their main diet is fish, so with the Lake here being so steep sided and unsuitable for vegetation eating birds, it is ideal for goosanders. In winter roosts of up to 15 birds can be seen on the Lake at dusk. They pair up around the beginning of April, and the female is left to incubate the eggs by herself. They choose a hole in a tree in which to lay their eggs. We have erected large nestboxes around the Lake shore to provide them with a substitute should a natural hole not be available. The young have a rather rude awakening to the world when they leap from their nest hole and make the trek down to the Lake.