On the way back from Old Moor my husband spotted a large pond at the side of the road so we stopped for a look. According to a sign on the board it was called Ferrymoor Flash. Just as we got out of the car he saw a pair of Kestrel fly over, I managed to miss them though.
Straight off a flock of birds swam up to the edge, clearly used to being fed, in fact some families were feeding them further along. Some of the ducks were not native, two beautiful black/purple/green ducks followed us around, they got out at one point and reminded me of Indian Runner Ducks?
There were plenty of native birds though, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Canada and Greylag Goose, Black-headed Gull.
In the trees around the water Reed Bunting and Long-tailed Tits.
The grass by the path was full of Daisies.
We didn't stop long but after checking it out online later, it looks like it links up to Cudworth Common so it'll be worth going back for another look. The sites are looked after by The Conservation Volunteers.
I suspect that the ducks are hybrid Mallards, a species that is notorious for interbreeding with other ducks. If you look at the second image it seems to have the Mallard drake’s green head and curly plume on the rump.
ReplyDeleteThanks David, yes I thought hybrid Mallards at first, we do get a lot here but when they were out of the water they moved upright like the Runners not Mallards, which made me wonder.
DeleteThe unusual green ducks remind me of the Cayuga ducks that were for a couple of years living on the lake at Trentham Gardens near where we live, we don't see them now. The last one was always seen with a Mallard/Runner cross. Lovely to see the ducklings and goslings:)
ReplyDeleteI'd not heard of Cayuga ducks, I've just had a look they do look a bit like them! There are so many ducklings and goslings around right now!
DeleteAdorable!! The young one are such a joy to watch. I've never seen a duck like the one you found, it is a great looking duck! This looks like a popular spot a great find!
ReplyDeleteThey are aren't they :) No me neither, they were beautiful ducks, the colours changing from purple to green!
DeleteQue lindas imagens. Adorei os patinhos. A Natureza é bela. Tenha um feliz dia.
ReplyDeleteObrigado Sandra :)
DeleteLove all those daisies :) You do find some great places to explore. The young birds are so very cute :)
ReplyDeleteYou can't fail to awww over a chick can you!
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