Duck ID

[pete76]

Hi there, spotted these two ducks (watching over three ducklings!) on a river today - they're obviously not British but I'm curious. Any help would be appreciated!

[poohbear]

Egyptian Goose.

[ron1863]

Hi Pete, they are Egyptian Geese

[pete76]

Geese / ducks, same thing

thanks for the help!

[bob.phillips]

Interesting!! Though I guess this species was introduced at some time, but does anyone know where they are spreading within the UK. I've seen them quite often on a lake in Norwich, and once saw a pair on a lake in Hertfordshire.

Regards,

Bob P.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Their homeland is southwest London/north Surrey. Saw a flock of 29 at Hampton ferry yesterday. Bushy Park seems to be Egyptian Goose central where I've seen 47 in one go.
Also around Holkham in Norfolk though I've never seen many.
They are surprisingly difficult to come across, or certainly approach, in their native range in Africa. On The Nile they tend to loiter on the midstream sandbanks and they do blend in rather well with their colouration.

Cheers,

Adam

[epops]

Theres a pair or 2 along the stour at brantham and presumably one of the same 2 pairs nested down at dedham but i only saw thier young for a day the next they had none left

[Hobjob]

They pop all over suffolk, tough not in great numbers.

Think John and I saw one at Cley this last weekend.

All over Africa too - getting to be a real nuisance in
South Africa.

[pete76]

Thanks for the info - interesting stuff. The two I saw were on the Wey Navigation, with three small goslings. They seemed to be in convoy with two Mallards and a pair of Canada Geese acting as bodyguards. I've seen them down there before, but never that close.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Here's a small section of some of the Hampton Ferry mob from yesterday.





Cheers,

Adam