Mystery bird (to me anyway) at Cannon Hall

IanP · #1 (**permalink**) 02-01-2009, 10:32 PM

On the lower lake at Cannon Hall Park, Barnsley, is a small duck (much smaller than the mallard) that I can't identify. In many respects it looks like a teal but has some very different markings. Unfortunately I didn't have a camera with me. The chest is mottled like the teal's. The back has two bright chestnut panels, the tail has a white bar either side, the head, like the teal, has a chestnut stripe but the cheeks, instead of being nearly black (like the photo I have anyway) are whiteish. Ithas a small, dark bill. Is it an escapee or just a winter-plumage teal?

oxycera · #2 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 07:00 AM

nice to hear from Cannon Hall, I know the place well, although I haven't observed the wildfowl for quite a while.
I think that a number of 'exotics' were introduced a few years ago so this one will be one of those presumably.
The wood around the Hall used to have Hawfinch and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker up to a few years ago.

Hedge Witch · #3 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 08:11 AM

I wonder if it's a Ringed Teal, this seems to have a similar description, to my way of thinking

Astra · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedge Witch

I wonder if it's a Ringed Teal, this seems to have a similar description, to my way of thinking

Yes I was wondering about a Ringed Teal as well.

Something like this?

Taken at London Wetland Centre.

IanP · #5 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 07:13 PM

That's the one! Many thanks!!!

IanP · #6 (**permalink**) 20-02-2009, 04:09 PM

Hi again,

Managed to have my camera with me last time I saw the duck. Unfortunately, I an't show the photo as I can't find the right button to upload it. Help!

Hedge Witch · #7 (**permalink**) 20-02-2009, 04:30 PM

Hi, you need to reduce the size of your photo (less than 1 Mb) and then follow the instructions to upload:
Login - Wild About Britain Pics

Just choose the file on your computer, and submit.
Good luck

IanP · #8 (**permalink**) 21-02-2009, 08:33 AM

Thanks Witch Hazel. I've now uploaded the photo:

This confirms your expert opinion. The only other mystery is where it came from - it's not telling!

Hedge Witch · #9 (**permalink**) 21-02-2009, 08:43 AM

Great to see you've got it sorted

Dae · #10 (**permalink**) 21-02-2009, 08:57 AM

Wow, only place I've ever seen these is at the WWT sites, obviously an escapee - or deliberate release. Still, a nice find and a very lovely little bird.