However!! Yesterday I had a wander in Bushy.
But this duck was the most curious find of the day. When first spotted it was swimming with the Red-crested Pochards but I then saw it later and it was with the Tufted Ducks.
Now I'm sure it's mostly Tufted Duck but..... it's got the green of a mallard on its face and the red head of a Red Crested Pochard.
So what is it I wonder? And what shall we call it? (Entries on a postcard please...aka comments!)
The Mahonia was just out... in a few days this should be glorious. And there were a few bees buzzing around!
I'm beginning to feel more convinced that Spring might be just around the corner... Oh I do hope so......
15 comments:
The brown headed duck looks like a Goldeneye female to me.
The funny Tufty - is a Mohican Green headed Tufted Duck!LOL!
C
Hi Tricia,
Your mystery hybrid is a Tufted Duck x Red crested Pochard. I was just as confused as you were when I first saw it...
www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=160805
Bill
Those squirrels are delightful. Great shots once again. I can't imagine seeing snowdrops at this time of year. Lucky you!
Hi Tricia,once again great photo's.
Now Ducks are really not my thing,
but i would say 1st, male Tufted duck.
2nd. female Wigeon. Pete is the Duck-Man.
paul.
Thats one scary but interesting hybrid, second is deffo a female wigeon.
Cheers
Dave
Great photos Tricia.
Hi Tricia - hope you're having a good weekend - love the pics of the Mrs Squirrel and also of the spring blooms... love the reflections of the Dogwoods too!
Take care - Miranda
Hi Tricia,
First time commenting on your wonderful blog! Your pictures always make me smile or go "ahhhh!" Thank you so much for sharing your fantastic work :)
C - Good description.
Bill - I don't know how long it's been there but I've only just spotted it. I agree about the parentage but the green in the head is a bit of a mystery though.
OC - Thank you. The snowdrops are just starting to open up. The Squirrels are very tame in that part of the gardens; I think they know they will get a meal.
Paul - Thanks. I did consult the Duck Man ;) We're all agreed that it's a female Wigeon.
Dave - it's really on odd looking bird isn't it; there's something about the shape of the head that looks so very odd.
Bob - thank you :)
Miranda - Hi there. A bit of a dull weekend here unfortunately - rather a grey day again. Dogwoods are almost at their best at this time of the year when you can see the stems so well.
Catpriestess - welcome and thank you for your very kind comments. I'm so pleased you enjoy my blog.
Hi Tricia, the Duck I would guess to be the result of a Male Pochard crossed with a female Ferruginous Duck. The other is definitely a female Wigeon. Beautiful snowdrops.
There are some very odd hybrids about, very confusing!
Lovely photos Tricia, I love the Squirrel and so cheering to see the Snowdrops :)
Great photos. That hybrid is rather interesting
A very interesting Duck there Tricia, are you any more the wiser for all the comments. :-)
As for spring, well it wont be this week, more cold and frost on the way.
It seems the weather is just a little bit milder than here in Belgium.
Since a few days, there are some snowdrops around, but they are only showing their buds, not opening them yet.
Hi Tricia,
Your hybird is a tufted-common pochard one, it is quite common indeed and the female is a wigeon as you said ;-)
You still got nice pictures of them even if the light was not that nice...
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