Abington Naturewatch: Ruddy Shelduck

Monday, 2 October 2023

Ruddy Shelduck

17th September 2023 - whilst on his regular Sunday walk around Granta Park, David F spotted a pair of unusual ducks by the lake. On closer inspection, it became clear these were a pair of Ruddy Shelduck. Native to Central Asia, these ducks are often kept in collections in the UK, and some time ago now several escaped and established as a wild population. Both male and female are a rich rufous colour, with the male being slightly larger and the female having a paler face.

In one of David's photos, you can also see three Mandarin Duck, which are believed to have successfully bred on GP this year, and a small wader on the edge of the water - a Common Sandpiper.

Pair of Ruddy Shelduck, male left and female right

Ruddy Shelduck (left), Mandarin Duck (centre) and Common Sandpiper (far right)

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The Aims of Abington Naturewatch

At their meeting on 9 April 2005 the members approved this revised version of the aims of Abington Naturewatch:

To monitor and record the wildlife (fauna & flora) within the borders of the Abingtons;
To encourage protection of our wildlife, maintain its quality and foster its diversity;
To promote awareness of the richness, potential and problems of the natural environment of the Abingtons;
To cooperate in improving access to the local natural environment for the benefit of all Abington villagers.

Pat Daunt, Founder

The organisation is informal and communication is by email if possible; members are notified of events from time to time. Contact details are maintained by a small "project team". There is currently no membership fee as costs are covered by voluntary contributions at events.

Members are encouraged to report notable sightings of flora and fauna within the Abingtons to the appropriate sector coordinator and an illustrated record is published annually.

A map of the area covered, with some features noted, is available here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213774935674882866424.00000111dca2be9f06ab8&z=13>

For more information or to join, please contact David Farrant on (01223) 892871.

Contributions to our records should be sent to sector contacts or either of the above. Photographs may also be submitted to Andy Merryweather (amerryweather61@gmail.com)