Not exactly Rye Meads I know but at Hertford Castle grounds there are two (fulvous?) whistling ducks on the river that passes through the park. They've been there a couple of weeks. They are very noisy and quite distinctive.I would really like confirmation of my identification from an expert. Has anyone else seen them?
Hi Lorraine. I think you spoke to me about this at the reserve the other day. I'm going to Hertford this week and if they're still there I'll take some photos and ID them for you.
Andy
Hi Andy, yes it was me. If you can get down there that would be great. I would love to know what you think. I checked them out today and only saw one. Its whistle sounded a bit lonesome!
Hi Lorraine.
How are you?
I have heard about a whistling duck over at Hertford Castle (someone sent me a piocture the other day, so it is likely that it could be the same bird) - I don't know where it has come from, it will be escape from somewhere.
Louise
Well I finally got down there, and they are Fulvous Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor)
Apparently they are probably more closely related to a goose subfamily than to ducks.
They originate in southern USA, south America, Africa and the Indian sub-continent. Often found in waterfowl collections everywhere, and they love rice!
I also went last week and took some photos , and confirm they are fulvous ducks , if anyone would like pics then email me and i will send them on. Bob
Fabulous Andy and Bob - thank you for that!
My neice sent me photos of these ducks when she was in Hertford about 2 months ago and I had no idea what they were until now!
Thanks everyone so much. Good to know I got them right and I love the conversation.
have posted my pic of whistling ducks in the photo section if anyone would like to see them
Love the pics, really sharp - thanks.