I managed to get back to Jells Park for a couple of hours this weekend - which was a bit of a relief from the office I have to tell you!
I was really pleased to find the Blue-billed Ducks (Oxyura australis) much closer to one of the viewing platforms than in my other recent visits. This duck is native to Australia, but is closely related to other around the world. If you are reading this in the UK, the BBD is closely related to the Ruddy Duck - which has been subject to a effort to remove it from the UK as a breeding species.
I was really pleased to find the Blue-billed Ducks (Oxyura australis) much closer to one of the viewing platforms than in my other recent visits. This duck is native to Australia, but is closely related to other around the world. If you are reading this in the UK, the BBD is closely related to the Ruddy Duck - which has been subject to a effort to remove it from the UK as a breeding species.
It's not hard to see how these duck got their name! Although I have to say that I rather like the females as well!
As ever, to join in with WBW just click on the blue button below: no invitation is need, just join in! SM
PS: it's been an interesting week to say the least! Will catch up with comments and such like asap. Its hard to believe I stared doing WBW on Wednesday, 16 July 2012!
Beautiful ...those blue bills!
ReplyDeleteSuch a striking bill! It would be impossible to mistake them for other ducks!
ReplyDeleteThis will be a lifer for me Stewart, so I hope it hangs around until we arrive.
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteA very pretty duck indeed, m & f. YAM xx
Gorgeous photos! I love the blue bill!
ReplyDeleteStriking bill and plumage. Its flight feathers appear to be very short as if in molt.
ReplyDeleteHey Stewart, a very striking male indeed!! But where;s your link? ...:)JP
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely duck, both male and female Stewart. Thanks for hosting and have a good week ahead.
ReplyDeleteIt's always great to see Blue-billed Ducks - such awesome colours on the boy ones!
ReplyDeleteAnd I've joined in WBW this week and added my link - yay!
Hey...me again...THANK YOU! I know it's all about birds, but check out the seal!!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeletewhat an amazing blue bill!
Never seen before...thanks for sharing.
Have a nice week!
A never seen for me. Thanks, S!
ReplyDeleteDucks are the coolest goofballs in Nature.
ReplyDeleteUnusual to see a blue bill on a duck, in our part of the world at least.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures Stewart! I'm not sure about the Blue bill. Looks a little unnatural even cyanotic! Pretty duck though.. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the rest of your week.
ReplyDeleteLike a Ruddy Duck! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteLovely duck captures . Keep commenting in my blog because I love your comments.
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures of the Blue-billed Ducks!
ReplyDeleteI think I have an image of this one somewhere.
ReplyDeleteIt has been scarse with birds where I live lately. Not even migrating birds. Where I used o see thousends of coots I did see two!!?? It´s depressing :(
Love that colourful bill!
ReplyDeleteThat so reminds me Ruddy Duck. But we have none left as they we culled.
ReplyDelete