Mrs Mallard in her winter coat
by PeterKR
Amongst all the 'regular' coloured Mallards at a local nature reserve were several ducks that had the build but not the colouring associated with Mallards.
I asked one of the wardens who assured me that it was just variations of 'Winter coats' !
Who was I to question that ?
K50 + DA55-300
I asked one of the wardens who assured me that it was just variations of 'Winter coats' !
Who was I to question that ?
K50 + DA55-300
Uploaded28/02/2016 - 22:39
CategoryWildlife / Nature
Unique Views / Likes8/0
Posted 29/02/2016 - 19:29
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drofmit wrote:
This is a Mallard in eclipse... I think?
However!
Ducks "in eclipse" are notoriously difficult to identify!!
"In eclipse" is the term for a bird that is partway through the annual moult....
a "good" warden should have given that explanation!!
When you go back in the late Spring... if it is still there, it is a hybrid!!
Dear TimThis is a Mallard in eclipse... I think?
However!
Ducks "in eclipse" are notoriously difficult to identify!!
"In eclipse" is the term for a bird that is partway through the annual moult....
a "good" warden should have given that explanation!!
When you go back in the late Spring... if it is still there, it is a hybrid!!
Many thanks for that useful bit of info - certainly new to me.
I've posted another 'unusual plumage' shot taken on the same visit.
There were lots of different ducks, coots, moorhens etc and lots more variations of the weird plumage, but they refused to 'pose' for me (i.e. keep still long enough !). It is quite possible therefore that some are of 'mixed parentage'?
Thanks again
Peter
Posted 29/02/2016 - 21:27
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I've made some comments on your other one...
I am a birder and naturalist first...
photography is a very valuable aid...
besides, I enjoy playing with new "toys"!
I am a birder and naturalist first...
photography is a very valuable aid...
besides, I enjoy playing with new "toys"!
Never be afraid to talk about your techniques...
"Give a thousand photographers...
the same camera, lens and scene...
and you'll always get a thousand different takes!!"
Anon.
"Give a thousand photographers...
the same camera, lens and scene...
and you'll always get a thousand different takes!!"
Anon.
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61 posts
16 years
Touraine du Sud,
[Indre-et-Loire],
France
However!
Ducks "in eclipse" are notoriously difficult to identify!!
"In eclipse" is the term for a bird that is partway through the annual moult....
a "good" warden should have given that explanation!!
When you go back in the late Spring... if it is still there, it is a hybrid!!
"Give a thousand photographers...
the same camera, lens and scene...
and you'll always get a thousand different takes!!"
Anon.