Although reasonably common in the UK, I always enjoy seeing Tufted Ducks (Aythya fuligula) especially at close range, where their bright yellow eyes seem to give them a loo of surprise or impending mischief.
(I know that such anthropomorphism is a not really a scientific viewpoint - but what the heck!)
The Tufted Duck is a resident breeder in much of the UK, but its number swell in the winter when birds from colder parts of Europe join the residents on a wide range of water bodies. As residents there are probably under 20,000 pairs in the UK, but in winter the population swells to approximately 140,000 birds. This probably accounts for my perception of them a winter bird.
These pictures were taken in the spring in South West England, so they could be of late departing winter birds or residents.
As ever, to join in with WBW click on the link below. Cheers SM
Wonderful photos of this dear little duck with his tuft. I have decided I really need two houses so I can live permanently in summer. Too hot is far easier for me to cope with than too cold!! Have a good week, cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. I need to get some photos of this bird next summer.
ReplyDeleteLove how the tufted duck’s yellow eyes look so alive, like it's up to some mischief!
ReplyDelete