Some birds for ID please (ducks and thrushes)

[~T~]

Ok out with my mate dog walking on this grey day I snapped a few pics but they really are terrible so I apologise in advance. I think the first is the read head drake Smew that has been reported in my area. The second I have no idea, closest I could find was Goosander. Both were difficult to get close to without me ending up knee deep in mud. The third I think are Fieldfares as they were quite large and flew thrush style, they did look larger than Redwings. Sadly my mates dog spooked them off the muddy field they had been feeding on so I could only get a few far off shots as they settled in some trees. I think I could have got a much better shots had she not scared them.

[Za]

The bottom 2 pictures seem to be as you suggest fieldfares, but I am not sure about the others. I have yet to see any fieldfares this year.
Za

[aeshna5]

The ducks are all Goosander- the brighter birds being adult males.

The thrushes which are obvious are Fieldfare.

[~T~]

Thanks chaps. I see now how the one I thought was a Smew is a Goosander. Maybe the Smew will still be there next week and I can get a photo. Glad the thrushes are Fieldfares as they are a first for me

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by ~T~

Thanks chaps. I see now how the one I thought was a Smew is a Goosander. Maybe the Smew will still be there next week and I can get a photo. Glad the thrushes are Fieldfares as they are a first for me

Smew are tiny compared with Goosander,barely bigger than a Teal.

[~T~]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Smew are tiny compared with Goosander,barely bigger than a Teal.

Ah right I had no idea really. I actually was thinking they were reasonably large ducks.

[John B (NTS)]

And another detail. A Redhead Smew would be a female. Drakes are strictly monochrome kind of guys......

[~T~]

Originally Posted by John B (NTS)

And another detail. A Redhead Smew would be a female. Drakes are strictly monochrome kind of guys......

Ahhh I've read the birdguide site wrongly. There are 2 in my local(ish) area. The female being near me not the male...ooops

[htcdude]

Keep an eye out for Redwing amongst the Fieldfare as they tend to flock close to one another.

Nige