Scarce winter visitor. Not recorded in April, May, July and August
Both Mathew (1894) and Lockley et al. (1949) regarded the Goosander as a regular winter visitor, the latter adding the qualification "scarce". The Welsh breeding population has been increasing in recent years, from the first record in 1970 to an estimated 150-200 pairs by 1985 (Tyler 1989), and although they have not bred in Pembrokeshire they have begun to occur more frequently. Records show occurrences in only six years between 1950 and 1970, but then in 18 years post-1970 and in every year since 1983, usually between November and February. Goosanders have been seen on the coast at Fishguard Harbour and on the Nevern and Cleddau Estuaries, particularly during cold weather, but most occur on fresh water, principally Rosebush and Llysyfran reservoirs and Bosherston Pools. Single birds are most frequently seen, but up to 14 together have been reported, with red-headed birds predominating.