Today is a special day for Gloria, our female Smew. For today, it is exactly 6 months since she first appeared here. Smew are a tree hole breeding diving duck that breed in Scandinavia and Russia. Less than 200 birds winter here and they generally arrive on inland water bodies in very cold conditions. So Gloria’s arrival in August last year was something of a surprise. At that time, she should have been moulting and flightless.
One of Ian Forrest's many photos of Gloria
Smew usually depart UK waters in March to return to their breeding grounds, but there is nothing usual about Gloria. And...................it turns out that it has been known for Smew to interbreed with Goldeneye. That is not something we’re expecting or indeed prepared for, but if it does, we’re going to need some duck nest boxes in a hurry.
Anyway, at the risk of sounding like a teenager in a relationship, a happy 6 month anniversary to Gloria.
And if you fancy something even more unusual, come to Saltholme to see if you can find the needles in the haystacks that are the Penduline Tits, or the pair of Cetti's Warblers. The Otters at Haverton are an easier find !