Today at Orchardleigh, 24 goosanders and 27 mandarin ducks, both the highest counts I’ve ever had for the site.  Presumably pre-breeding gatherings, with considerable commotion in groups of both species.  If you want to see good numbers of these less-commonly seen ducks, I recommend a visit to Orcharleigh.

yesterday 31st December; 12 goosanders, 5 males; 20+ Mandarins all visible and in pre-breeding groups; 3 wigeon, 2m, 1f; 4 shoveler, 3m, 1f; 36+ tufted duck, good count for here; teal heard but not seen; 1 little egret.