Waterfowl for ID

[davedotcom]

Mornin' all,

While walking around Rother Valley country park in South Yorkshire yesterday I spotted this (apologies about the quality, had to use my phone):



Could anyone tell me what this is? I looked through my Collins Bird guide but couldn't find a match.

Many thanks!

[htcdude]

Originally Posted by davedotcom

Could anyone tell me what this is? I looked through my Collins Bird guide but couldn't find a match.

Because it's not British Can't remember what they're called off the top of my head I'll come back to you.

Actually ignore that, I think it's a Muscovy Duck

Nige

[Wild-Woman]

Yep. I think the same Nige.

[Tursiops2]

Yes, Muscovy Duck. A South American species widely domesticated, and a frequent escapee.

T2

[davedotcom]

Thanks everyone, much appreciated. After a bit of Googling I realise I've seen these before but with different colourings (still didn't know their names though!).

Wonder if I can still add it to my bird list?!?!

Merci beaucoup!

[Ferret]

Its up to you Dave its your list, the official position is that it’s not on the British list as compiled by the BOU (British Ornithologist’s Union) they have it categorised as a E* for a full explanation see here.The British List: Category E - provisional list of species recorded in Britain

Ferret

[davedotcom]

I'd like to keep track of any bird I see, as much as anything just because I'm new to this and I'd like to be able to refer back. Once I get a bit more experience I may trim down what I record.

If I was to 'compete' in the 2012 Bird List I wouldn't count it though - only those on the BOU list as that appears to be the standard approach.

I'll add a 'yes/no' column to my spreadsheet for BOU!