Ferruginous ducks/Ferruginous Pochards - a clarification

Aidan Turner · **Posted:** Tue Sep 27, 2016 7:49 pm

I have spent more than an hour trying to identify these birds, having never seen this species before.
I am now pretty confident about their identity. I note that there have been a number of sightings at the Brent Reservor in the last few days, albeit in single numbers. This group seems unusually large.

Russell Hayes · **Posted:** Tue Sep 27, 2016 8:16 pm

The size of the group would rule out Ferugenous ducks.
Pochards sound more likely.

Pete Scott · **Posted:** Tue Sep 27, 2016 8:40 pm

Unfortunately whatever they are the birds will be in for a torrid awakening.
At this time of year the fringes of the water on the scrapes is seeded and baited to draw in water fowl,
for the shooter's to blast away.

Pete

Aidan Turner · **Posted:** Tue Sep 27, 2016 9:10 pm

Russell, They are not ordinary Pochard. They are Chesnut coloured with a white under-belly. Unfortunately, did not have camera with me. Will see if they are there tomorrow.

Would be most upset if they were targeted by shooters. Presumably, the hunting fraternity are more likely to lurk around at the weekend. Whatever happens, I don't think these ducks will be there for long.

Aidan Turner · **Posted:** Tue Sep 27, 2016 9:31 pm

Birdlife International states "On migration this species is often found in groups of 20-50 individuals (N.Petkov in lift.)".

Aidan Turner · **Posted:** Tue Sep 27, 2016 9:32 pm

Aidan Turner wrote:

Birdlife International states "On migration this species is often found in groups of 20-50 individuals (N.Petkov in litt.)".

Andy Sims · **Posted:** Wed Sep 28, 2016 7:52 am

How about eclipse Wigeon?

Aidan Turner · **Posted:** Wed Sep 28, 2016 9:35 am

Definitely not Andy. I have been bird watching on and off for 40 years. There were a couple of Widgeon present but these birds were definitely unusual. My research has given me 95% confidence in their identity.

Derick Evans · **Posted:** Wed Sep 28, 2016 4:39 pm

Hi Aiden. Just wondered if you have returned to the site with your camera, to confirm the ID of your 30+ Fudge Ducks?
It's obvious no other Linc's birders intend to........
NB: I live 65 miles away.

Aidan Turner · **Posted:** Wed Sep 28, 2016 6:09 pm

Having spent much of today trying to confirm my observations, I admit defeat. Neither of my Collins bird guides refer to eclipse Widgeon, which may have been what I saw but given the uncertainty now in my mind, the report is withdrawn.

The Lincolnshire Bird Club

Ferruginous ducks/Ferruginous Pochards - a clarification

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