THERE is no doubt that late April through May to early June is one of the most exciting times in the year.

Bird migration is in full swing with many birds moving north to breed.

This includes many wildfowl including one of my favourite species - the Goldeneye. Its scientific name of Bucephala clangula is interesting.

Bucephala means ox-head and the shape of the goldeneye's bill and forehead is unique.

Post-mortem examinations reveal a large airspace situated behind the nostrils and connected to the sinuses.

This could work like a diver's air supply and allow the species to stay under water longer as it searches for food.

Both sexes have the bright golden eye from which the common name derives, but the sexes are very easily distinguished.

The male looks basically black and white with a large round white spot on each of his cheeks. The female is brownish grey whilst her head is the colour of milk chocolate.

Goldeneyes move to Northern Europe to breed but despite global warming, more and more are raising young in Britain.

The female chooses a nest hole high up in a tree and she will also take kindly to nest boxes.

She incubates her seven to 14 eggs for about a month. As soon as they are dry the brave ducklings jump out of the nest and because they are so light they parachute down to the ground.

Their mother waits for them at the bottom and remains with them for about 60 days.

By this time they can fly and dive for food which consists of crabs, worms, water insects and small fish.