My blog is mostly about wildlife, particularly birds, walking, days out, all growing things and anything else that comes to mind.
To view pictures in larger format, just click on any picture for the picture gallery....

Saturday 6 February 2010

A new Hybrid?

Today I went to Barnes - but nothing about and the light was dreadful. As I headed off from home it wasn't too bad but the mist came down the further north I travelled. Although it brightened up late on, by then it was time for home.

However!! Yesterday I had a wander in Bushy.

This squirrel was being fed peanuts in their shells by a well-prepared visitor.



Whilst another was playing hide-n-seek with me as it raced up a tree.

Ah - think she's spotted me!

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!)

I shall go back when I can in good light and hopefully get some better shots.



This very pretty bird is back again. I think it's a female Wigeon?



I wandered through the woods and came across more snowdrops bursting into flower.


The Mahonia was just out... in a few days this should be glorious. And there were a few bees buzzing around!

Cornus reflections in the Woodland Garden



I'm beginning to feel more convinced that Spring might be just around the corner... Oh I do hope so......

15 comments:

Eagleseagles said...

The brown headed duck looks like a Goldeneye female to me.

The funny Tufty - is a Mohican Green headed Tufted Duck!LOL!

C

Billy Dykes said...

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

oldcrow61 said...

Those squirrels are delightful. Great shots once again. I can't imagine seeing snowdrops at this time of year. Lucky you!

Anonymous said...

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.

Lancashire and Lakeland Outback Adventure Wildlife Safaris said...

Thats one scary but interesting hybrid, second is deffo a female wigeon.

Cheers

Dave

Bob Bushell said...

Great photos Tricia.

Miranda Bell said...

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

Wendy said...

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 :)

Tricia Ryder said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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.

ShySongbird said...

There are some very odd hybrids about, very confusing!

Lovely photos Tricia, I love the Squirrel and so cheering to see the Snowdrops :)

neil said...

Great photos. That hybrid is rather interesting

Warren Baker said...

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.

AnneTanne said...

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.

Chris said...

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...

Related Posts with Thumbnails