Help identify bird please

[Maia261]

Hi there,

Found your forum while trawling the net trying to identify this bird, liked what I saw so decided to join. These pics were taken at Loch Fleet Nature Reserve in Sutherland yesterday, I caught the movement of this bird as we were leaving so snapped a couple of shots. Thought when I blew them up on the PC a bit I would be able to make out what it was but I haven't a clue.

Sorry for the quality of the pics, still experimenting with my new camera.





Lynn

[Jason Green]

It could be a so-called Manky Mallard, the body shape to me seems duck-like, especially the rounded maroon-coloured breast.

[Badgerman]

Hi Lynn,

Its a domesticated Mallard, AKA...Daffy Duck.

You get wild Mallards breeding with Domesticated ones, and this is one of the multitude of colour forms that appear.

[Maia261]

Many thanks Jason and Badgerman, especially for the swiftness of your replies.

Easy seeing I'm far from an expert on birds then, you learn something new everyday. Trust me to ask for help on the best known and most recognizable of all ducks!

Lynn

[big bill]

Hello Lynn that why the site is here to help ,bythe way welcome to WAB just along the road from you.
You can get all different configurations on the Mallard specis its just a matter of knowing what to look for .
Anyway enjoy the site

[Jason Green]

It isn't that obviously a Mallard, Lynn

The physical differences between a wild Mallard and a domestic white one are quite notable, but when the breed together and results in your cross-breed it looks quite different to either!!!!

[Badgerman]

........and weve all had individuals that have made us look twice. Thats the joy of Birding

[Jason Green]

Another joy being... miss-IDs , like when you think it's a Firecrest, you tell people then it turns out to be a Gold