A couple of weeks ago while I was wandering past Marsworth Reservoir I noticed a pair of Red-crested Pochard Netta Ruffia. The male was swimming alongside the female and energetically displaying by stretching it's head back and flicking it's bill upwards. These attractive ducks prefer to nest in lakeside vegetation, so Marsworth, which is fringed by extensive Reedbeds is ideal. Unfortunately the water is full of predatory fish and the area is also plagued by Mink, so keeping a family of downy young safe is virtually impossible.
Here are some photos taken last May and then again a month later showing the last remaining duckling from the original brood of nine.
Let's hope that they have better success this year!
Female Red-crested Pochard and duckling (Marsworth Reservoir, 14/05/2010)
Red-crested Pochard duckling (Marsworth Reservoir, 14/05/2010)
Female Red-crested Pochard and juvenile (Marsworth Reservoir, 09/06/2010)
Juvenile Red-crested Pochard (Marsworth Reservoir, 09/06/2010)
Juvenile Red-crested Pochard (Marsworth Reservoir, 09/06/2010)
such a cute one. :)
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