Opinions on what duck?

Discussion

8 replies

Posted by Tom_W on March 21, 2006 at 3:30 AM

Its not often I have trouble ID'ing a duck, but this one is open to suggestions.

It was shot at Slimbridge, but (to the best of recollection) not in the Americas pond. I think it is a Immature Female Canvasback.

Posted by Phil Shaw on March 21, 2006 at 3:44 AM

Yes, this looks like a Canvasback to me.

Posted by PhilH on March 21, 2006 at 3:58 AM

Tom...

You've been nicking my water....

Looks like it to me as well, and a fine image too.....

Posted by Dave Courtenay on March 21, 2006 at 4:05 AM

Well its a new one on me,At first a female pochard came to mind but the bill wrong,if it had a darker cap it would be a female ruddy duck so guess the guys above have the answer-Nice shot,The background compliments the colours of the bird very well

Posted by Helge Sorensen on March 21, 2006 at 6:15 AM

Sure looks like a Canvasback to me, Tom. Maybe you should post it in "Avian" to get an opinon from the Americans !

Is it a wild bird ?

Posted by Tom_W on March 21, 2006 at 7:50 AM

Helge

No, It isn't wild

and apologies as I didn't fully explain and made an assumption that everybody knew what Slimbridge is.

Slimbridge is a Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust site (WWT) in the UK and whilst I am sure it wasn't in the American section that I photographed this bird it was in one of the sections and not in the wild parts.

I am also pretty sure it wasn't clipped, so whilst it isn't wild - it ain't captive as well

but that is the case for so many of these types of birds that are, or potentially are, escapees ... but (IMHO) because it is non-native, inside the collection part of Slimbridge it should be classed as captive if used in competitions.

T

Posted by Helge Sorensen on March 21, 2006 at 8:14 AM

Thanks for clearing that up, Tom .

Posted by Phil Shaw on March 21, 2006 at 2:34 PM

It looks like the primaries in the left wing may be clipped.

Posted by Justin on March 21, 2006 at 4:46 PM

Cracking shot Tom.