Walthamstow Wetlands is an essential habitat for goldeneye duck. Late in October when the arctic blasts make it impossible to survive, the goldeneye duck will start its 1600-mile journey to the safety of the deep, ice-free water of the Walthamstow Wetlands. 

Can you predict the date it will arrive back this year? Enter the competition now and help protect the habitat of this amazing bird.

London Wildlife Trust has partnered with Bird Run and are providing our team of Conservation Officers to verify the first sighting.

Those that guess the correct date will be entered into a draw, with profits going to our work in helping maintain the goldeneyes' valuable wetland habitat at Walthamstow Wetlands.

Enter the prize draw and follow the journey of the goldeneye

Barely two months old and left to fend for themselves the goldeneye duck chicks must learn to fly alone. Within weeks they have to navigate themselves all the way from North-West Siberia to winter safety and food security in Walthamstow. This means flying across the frozen tundra of Finland, crossing the Baltic Sea, and navigating over Sweden and finally braving the North Sea before finding their ultimate refuge.

With Bird Run, we want to raise awareness of this perilous journey and about the protection the Walthamstow Wetlands provides the goldeneye and other beautiful birds who over-winter on its vitally important reservoirs.

Find out more about Bird Run
 

Over the last 20 years, Britain has seen the once common goldeneye duck become increasingly threatened. It is now on the Red List of Birds at risk of extinction in Great Britain. London Wildlife Trust is protecting one of its key overwintering sites in Britain. Your support will go towards maintaining and enhancing the deep food rich waters that these birds need to survive a chilly winter.

The records from 2017 show that the common goldeneye arrives between the 17th and 29th October. If you guess the actual day the first one arrives, you will enter our prize draw for a one night B&B stay for 2 in a luxury Radisson Blu hotel in the fabulous historic city of Durham. The prize includes off peak travel to Durham (conditions apply).