Canvasback or Pochard Abberton 12/11/23 (1 Viewer)

[Original PaulE]

Hi all saw the bird below, at Abberton reservoir on Tuesday was diving about a bit and was soon lost in the throng of 1000s of Pochards, pretty much all the male Pochards had a lot of blue in the bill, can't see any on this one, but wasn't sure at the time and still not sure now, is the head shape right? Sorry about the blurred pic!! If i ever seen another pochard it will be to soon!! Thanks in advance

 

[Butty]

Canvasback looks much weirder than this.

 

[Original PaulE]

Canvasback looks much weirder than this.

So Pochard?

 

[Rotherbirder]

Straightforward drake Pochard, sorry.

RB

 

[Original PaulE]

Straightforward drake Pochard, sorry.

RB

Yes I wasn't convinced, but the lack of blue got me hopes up!!

 

[Bewick]

Went to see the canvasback a few months back, it always distant but its shape and structure was striking- here's a crappy through scope photo.

 

[Andy Hurley]

One way of identifying the Canvasback, in all plumages, is the tip of the bill to the top of the head is almost a straight line. (Can't remember who told me, but I have a note in my Collins. Either by someone on Birdforum, or in Canada.)