Wednesday 30 January 2013

Ferruginous Duck

A Ferruginous Duck was found at a small park in Bedford on Sunday morning, a bird that is more normally found in southern Europe and Asia. This was on my way, of sorts, to my parents house (Bedford, not southern Europe and Asia) and I thought that a short diversion wouldn't way lay me too long!

On arrival at Priory Country Park in Bedford it was noted that all of Bedford had decided to come out for a walk with their children and dogs on a fairly sunny day, the day after the snow had melted. I had a quick scan with my binoculars and noted a small hide on the other side of the lake, so I started to walk in that general direction, soon meeting other binocular clad people who kindly directed me to the birds' haunt. The walk was quick and non-eventful, save some rather odd glances from the dog walking/children playing people of Bedford (how dare someone walk here with some binoculars around his neck, what kind of weirdo is he?). I entered the small hide where a kind gentleman put me straight on to the bird through his scope, a lovely drake fast asleep! A took a seat and waited for the bird to wake up. It put its head up about 4 times whilst I was there, when I managed to get the ropey shots below, but other than those rare times it sat with its head firmly tucked under its wing.



A lovely bird and my first drake in Britain and also a species which my Nephew can pronounce, although his Dad has a slight difficulty!

10 comments:

  1. A very nice tick in the book John.
    Was this really a short diversion.??

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    1. Hi Roy,
      Thanks, yes, only a short turn off from the A421, the road I follow from the Black Cat R/about all the way to my parents house.
      J

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  2. A beautiful duck John.
    I saw a couple in a collection a few days ago. Superb colour.
    I can't count it though lol

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    1. It was indeed Keith, lovely rusty red colour, I assume that's where the ferruginous comes from.
      J

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  3. Well done John. Glad you managed to find and photograph it. No mean feat for a youngster to get the pronunciation right :-)

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    1. Thanks Jan,
      Sorry about the ropey shots, but it was always fairly distant! ;)
      Yes, Harry can say it, but as I said, his Dad finds it a bit tricky! ;)
      J

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  4. The photos show a series of ducks without bills!
    I wish I didn't have any bills.....
    Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. Hi Bazza,
      The bird is the red one showing its bill.
      You and me both, especially at this time of year!
      J

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  5. Hi John,

    Always a delight to visit your blog. And no, I'm not going to say something such as, I'm not going to duck the issue.

    Indeed, the drake is a fine looking duck. I know how much it means to you to go out there and be in awe of the wonders of nature.

    John, I'm most grateful for you comment on my posting. Peace be with you, my friend.

    In kindness and good wishes,

    Gary

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    1. Hi Gary,
      Many thanks for kind and thoughtful words, as always.
      Nature never fails to amaze me, whatever we throw at her, she endeavours to survive.
      I know they are only words in the comments, but they are meant.
      J

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