The week so far has been ripe with bird life, with one particularly unexpected bird seen today.
1 Ring-Necked Duck male was spotted this morning on the mere. It has been particularly inactive, only periodically lifting its head to show its ornate beak pattern and unusual, distinctive head shape. This rare vagrant species was also present on the reserve last Winter. As the North American counterpart to our native Tufted Duck (of which there are many on site), it has a similar appearance. A good way to distinguish this bird is by checking and comparing three areas of its body that have different features to the Tufted Duck, including the shape of the crest on the back of the head, the white flash near the shoulder of the bird contrasted by the darker silver on its side, and the white bill pattern.
Other birds seen on the mere recently include 1 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Cormorants, 3 Mute Swans, 1 Lesser Black-Backed Gull, 2 Little Grebes, and many overwintering ducks from Europe, including Mallard, Teal, Pochard, Pintail, Wigeon, Shoveler, and Shelduck.
Golden Plovers have been seen recently flying above the site in search of wet areas to inhabit. Many Snipe can also be found moving between vegetation-covered fields and ponds, with their fast flight and proportionally long bills being distinctive features through binoculars. Numerous Stock Doves have also been flying across the reserve, and many Meadow Pipits and Skylarks continue to be seen and heard.
Photoraph of a male Ring-Necked Duck.
