Tufted Duck

The Hard frost of recent times, has finally driven some birds to the river. 

Frozen ponds and lochs mean hard times for some species. 

This morning I spotted the first female Tufted duck in the river this winter, she was happily swimming among the mallards who were quite accepting of her presence. 

Meanwhile 3 cygnets were having a little chat together.

Cold Snap

After the coldest snap of the year so far, the ice on freshwater has brought in a tufted duck.

This little guy had no inhibitions about getting stuck into the grain along with the Mallards. 

The Harbour was also freezing over and the birds are keen to feed, 

keeping out the cold !

Mild Wet Winter

The exceptional mild weather continues locally, and we are already seeing the days getting longer. So far it looks like it's going to be a mild wet winter compared to recent years. The Cygnets are still in the river and this is the longest that Popeye and Penny have kept any of their broods around. Perhaps the lack of proper winter weather has delayed their departure.

It is also noticeable that some species that normally arrive in the river at this time are not yet here, like the tufted ducks and pintail.

There is a female Goldeneye but as yet no males to be seen. 

Here are some pics of our river birds in previous winters.

Duck Characters

It's good to see some old duck characters still on the go after quite a few years in the river. One of them I am particularly fond of is Hookie, a drake with a deformed left foot. I first noticed him in 2008, the foot is like a hook and think perhaps he was born with the deformity. He gets picked on by the other ducks, because he is different - just like most species! Nevertheless he has survived at least 7 years, and I do feed him when I see him.

Meanwhile the bantam call ducks are thriving and very bossy, they have no problem scaring off the Mallards. 

Sari and Jo are also doing OK, but Jo has an injured right leg, she can still use it but has a limp, hopefully she will recover completely.  This mild spell is causing a lot of excitement among the ducks, far too spring like !

The tufted ducks have now departed the river with the mild weather, what characters they are !

Tufted Duck

My wee pal the Tufted Duck that I've fed for the past few Winters has remembered me, and is back on the hunt for some food again. 

Winter is here and the ducks were enjoying every morsel, along with the cute tufted duck -straight from Disneyland !

The Real Goldeneye

I think whoever first named the Goldeneye, was maybe looking at a Tufted duck at the time !

The eyes of the Tufted duck are one of it's most striking features....along with that fabulous tuft!