Black Duck at Strontian, Argyll (1 Viewer)

This year has seen a lot of birders up searching for the famous black duck at Strontian on Loch Sunart. The best place to see this duck is on the bridge directly opposite Tigh an T'Sonais Bed and Breakfast, sightings are usually made between Tigh an T'Sonais and the church bridge about half a mile upstream. Many sightings were made last week. Last year the duck was frequently seen in the early hours with her clutch of ducklings both upstream and downstream of the bridge. Other birds of interest in the area which are seen frequently but are rare elsewhere are both sea eagles and golden eagles, goshawks further up the glen nearer Scotstown, and with lots of dippers, wagtails and occasional kingfishers there is always something to be seen. It should be interesting to see if the duck has bred again this year and if it's hybrid ducklings, which look identical to a black duck, are fertile and if they will produce. I will be keeping my eyes open for ducklings.

Interesting use of "her" as the bird people will be looking for is a male.

And welcome to Birdforum - not everyone is as picky as me.

Steve

American Black Duck seen today at the river mouth. Seemed to be paired up with a female mallard, sitting on the tidal grassland at the east of the river mouth.

Is this bird still present? I'm thinking of heading up there on Friday so recent information would be appreciated.

Hevden said:

Is this bird still present? I'm thinking of heading up there on Friday so recent information would be appreciated.

Click to expand...

It was last reported on 5th January though we've been in lockdown since then so doubt it's been looked for by many.

jpoyner said:

It was last reported on 5th January though we've been in lockdown since then so doubt it's been looked for by many.

Click to expand...

Thanks that's why I was asking and hoping a local could give an update.

I am heading up to Scotland next week and was also wondering if anyone has been to look for the Black Duck in recent weeks?