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davegray
May 29th, 2008, 12:29 AM
Hi everyone, I keep taking photos and then have to try and identify the birds, which I'm hopeless at. Can someone (please) tell me what these are ?

Thanks,
Dave.
shearwater2002
May 29th, 2008, 07:48 AM
Left: Red Shoveler Anas platalea

Right: Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus (female)


Presumably they were in a collection?
davegray
May 29th, 2008, 09:15 AM
Thanks for that - they were at the WWT, Slimbridge if my memory is correct.
davegray
May 29th, 2008, 09:45 PM
OK I tried the Bird identifiers I know of and can't name this, someone please help !

thanks,
Dave.
AndyB
May 30th, 2008, 04:43 AM
Hi Dave, White-cheeked Pintail
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-cheeked_Pintail
Best, Andy
Colin Key
May 30th, 2008, 08:50 AM
Thanks for that - they were at the WWT, Slimbridge if my memory is correct.

Do you know whether these birds were free-flying, or do they have "clipped" wings Dave? (i.e. do they have the potential ability to escape).

Colin
davegray
May 31st, 2008, 12:31 PM
I'm guessing that they must be clipped, the reserve is on the Severn estuary in the UK and they do get a lot of migrants - but several of them aren't native or transient uk species. Slimbridge has had a record of sucessful breeding and as the birds are outside I can't see how else they would keep them there.

href="http://www.wwt.org.uk/centre/122/visit/slimbridge.html">www.wwt.org.uk/centre/122/visit/slimbridge.html
davegray
May 31st, 2008, 12:32 PM
Thanks for that Andy, I was never going to find it looking at UK birds !
Colin Key
May 31st, 2008, 01:20 PM
I'm guessing that they must be clipped, the reserve is on the Severn estuary in the UK and they do get a lot of migrants - but several of them aren't native or transient uk species. Slimbridge has had a record of sucessful breeding and as the birds are outside I can't see how else they would keep them there.

href="http://www.wwt.org.uk/centre/122/visit/slimbridge.html">www.wwt.org.uk/centre/122/visit/slimbridge.html

Problem is Dave they don't always manage to keep them contained - the case of the Ruddy Duck comes instantly to mind!!

I have voiced my opinions on the WWT in other threads; this form of "avian zoo" should not be allowed. They have quite a large membership and, presumably, a significant income - I think they could spend their money more wisely.

Colin :no: