Red-crested Pochard

This pair of Red-crested Pochards Nettia ruffia stayed at Startops and Marsworth Reservoirs for a few weeks from March 19th to April 9th 2008 and the female was briefly seen later in June with one small duckling which did not survive. Like many Red-crested Pochards in this country these birds were fairly tame and approachable making them easy to photograph. This year a pair bred sucessfully at the reservoirs with one young bird surviving from the original brood of nine with the rest probably falling victim to predatory Pike or Mink. Sadly this is the fate that befalls many of the duckings and young Moorhens on the reservoirs.

Red-crested Pochard Nettia ruffia, male and female

Male Red-crested Pochard Nettia ruffia

Female Red-crested Pochard Nettia ruffia

Female Red-crested Pochard Nettia ruffia