I visited Martin Mere last week, my photos are on my blog site http://walksnwildlife.blogspot.com/ but whilst there the bird below was on one of the islands on the main mere, any ideas anyone, I am thinking its an escapee from the exotic collection?
thanks
Gary http://walksnwildlife.blogspot.com/
visit http://walksnwildlife.blogspot.com/
If I did not see the head, I would have said a ruddy shelduck. with the dark head, my guess would be a hybrid. The hybrids vary in colour, but I have seen photos of a dark headed ruddy shelduck hybrid, but I don't know what it was mixed with.
Hi Gary
Not a clue about the duck/goose but I just wanted to compliment you on the photographs on your blog.
Absolutely gorgeous!!!
TJ
____________________________________________________________________
Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Hi Gary, sorry, I can't help either on the i.d. but it's a cracking photo. Well done!
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!
I agree with CDS! A ruddy shelduck hybrid!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
I posted yesterday, my thought on the hybrid. It did not get listed. Oh well, here is the link to some hybrids that match quite well:
http://www.wallbank.me.uk/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=55
I think it is probably a ruddy x common shelduck hybrid and a drake, as the females are much drabber.
Hi,
it looks like a hybrid - but there could be some Australian Shelduck in there maybe :)
S
For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides, binoculars, scopes, tripods, etc - put 'Birding Tips' into the search box
I was back at Martin Mere yesterday, and chatting to one of the wardens he confirmed that the bird is indeed a hybrid Ruddy Shelduck x Shelduck, many thanks to those who helped out. Gary http://walksnwildlife.blogspot.com/