Last Sunday was my Mum's 95th Birthday, so we took her to Valentine's Park for the afternoon (as we did last year). I figured there might be some ducklings and goslings on view, so I took my camera. I saw the usual suspects, but also two rather unexpected species...
Just a few yards from the park gates, I spotted this family of Coots
Just a short distance from the Coots I saw this wonderful Frisky Feral. Interesting plumage.
Tucked away in a quiet spot behind the reeds was the first 'curiosity'. I believe this is a Chocolate Muscovy Duck.
We also passed it on the way back, getting rather closer.
Egyptian Goose & six Goslings
Slightly better view of the Muscovy Duck as we took a different route on the way back.
Close up of that very distinctive face
Not what I expected to see amongst the Mallards. Presumably this Wood Duck is an escapee.
Rather attractive Manky Mallard
Two of a clutch of nine Mallard Ducklings, which were part of a rather unconventional family group
The family group seemed to be comprised of these two females and a drake, along with the nine Ducklings
I watched them for a out 15 minutes and the three adults remained together throughout. The ducklings managed to stray from time to time, but with three watchful adults keeping an eye on them, they didn't come to any harm.
Unicum arbustum haud alit duos erithacos
(One bush does not shelter two Robins)
Zenodotus (3rd Century B.C.)
Many happy returns to your Mum MC looks like you had a sunny day for your outing. Great pics and just love the gosling, aren't they just cute. Wonder why there are three adult mallard there, but as you say they are doing grand job of looking after the nine ducklings.
What does the Muscovy sound like, it looks like it should say "gobble, gobble!"
Lot to learn
what a lovely day you had and bet "Mum" enjoyed her birthday trip to Valentines Park too - many congrats on her 95th :)
Love the Wood Duck, they are so colourful, wonder where it came from. The Muscovy and Mallards were a nice sighting too and glad to hear the ducklings have 3 adults to keep watch :) great pics and thread Paul.
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Regards, Hazel
Also congratulations to your Mum from me MC. Your Frisky Feral seems to have retained some Rock Dove genes in its makeup.
Paul
My bird photos HERE