Mystery duck - can anyone identify?

hirundine · #1 (**permalink**) 31-01-2010, 09:09 PM

I saw these mysterious ducks on the Kelvin in Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow while doing the RSPB Birdwatch this weekend, are they pochard, pintail or something else entirely?

AshLee · #2 (**permalink**) 31-01-2010, 09:13 PM

Goosander I think (but wait for an expert).

Jason Green · #3 (**permalink**) 31-01-2010, 09:18 PM

Hello Hirundine,

Yes - a female Goosander, Mergus merganser

Take care,

Jason

thebeard · #4 (**permalink**) 31-01-2010, 09:38 PM

correct, there's a lot being seen around notts recently, especially on the trent. they seem to prefer the flowing water (and more fish in the trent than the lakes i'm guessing). i'd only seen them in wales before this winter, but i've seen a lot of winter migrants over the last few weeks. if you catch them in the right light, the males have great plumage, the white can look quite salmon-pink in good light.

solus · #5 (**permalink**) 31-01-2010, 09:39 PM

As Jason says, female Goosander. Nice pic too!

hirundine · #6 (**permalink**) 01-02-2010, 10:57 AM

Thank you for your help, everybody! Couldn't believe how quickly my question was answered. My friends and family think I'm an expert on birds, but I'm a total amateur compared to you. I can't take any credit for the picture, that should all go to my friend Sabrina, who somehow managed to keep her cool and take the snaps while I hopped up and down next to her with excitement. "It's the mystery duck! The mystery duck!"