This duck landed on the South Lake at Slimbridge, so wasn't part of the 'collection' ducks there as I believe their wings are clipped. I've looked through photos on the internet (but keep forgetting to look in my bird books at home!). Any ideas as to what species it is please? It was alone.
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
Hello Marjus - great photograph
Well, I won't claim to be an expert but I do have the help of one. I am fortunate to have on my desk a copy of Sir Peter Scott's "A Coloured Key to Wildfowl of the World". It is surprisingly useful as, of course, there are many exotic waterfowl which appear in the wild so this really helps with ids. This gorgeous bird is an Australian shelduck so some folks were on the right trail. It looks as though it is 'pure' although a bit of extra white around the beak may indicate otherwise but everything else matches Sir Peter's illustration. As its name suggests this species originate in Australia and are found in southern South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.
Best wishes
Best wi
I should add that it reminds me of a shelduck in size and beak shape, but isn't the usual shelduck I know!
Hi Marjus,Off the top of my head it looks to me like a male Eygption Goose but I would have to get my bird books out to check 100%
Lovely photo and a great spot...
PS I have just Googled and yours looks a darker colour so not sure now what it is lol
Being Happy doesn't mean everythings perfect........
It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections.....
Hi Marjus
Wow what a beautiful looking bird, and very eye catching too. Beautiful picture.
I would say it is a hybrid - a mixture between a Red Breasted Goose and an Egyptian Goose.
Sadly Geese and Ducks are notorious for breeding with other species of Geese/Ducks and it ends up with with a mish-mash of an oddball subspecies.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
www.domestic-waterfowl.co.uk/rouenc.htm Its a very nice picture! not sure, maybe quackers here, but possible Rouen clair (cross) check site above see history. The domestic pool is very deep and murky!!! :-)
I do see some big Mallard/shelduck about it!
John
For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.
Hi MarJus, Haven't a clue I'm afaid but it's a lovely bird. Hope somebody IDs it soon for you.
There is something new to learn everyday...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skylark58/
Hi MarJus, aside from the beak, it is similar to a shoveler - but, as you say, it is also similar to a shelduck. Very curious. It will be interesting to see if one of the experts can come up with an answer.
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
hi Val
Great result, and thank you for helping us here
I have to say I was a bit baffled about it myself but there you go.
Excellent! Thanks Val! It's great to put a name to the face so to speak!!
Thanks from me as well, Val. You can always rely on Sir Peter Scott, particularly when it comes to Slimbridge!
Excellent! If I encounter one at Christmas I should be able to recognise it. Thanks Val.
I've looked at Google images and while I can't find an exact match, it fits the bill. Oops! Cheap joke.
Well done Val, when I first looked at images of domestics etc. I chickened out of the Ausie duck!!
Thats quite a wrong turn.