Ruddy Shelduck (1 Viewer)

[Gander]

I found two Ruddy Shelduck at one of my regular locations in Fife this morning. I am now trying to work out where this bird sits in terms of listing. It seems to be on the British list, but categorising it as BDE*F is as clear as mud. I have read some articles and posts on here that indicate that the birds are probably overshoots from a Dutch population. Quite understandable considering the strong southerlies we have been experiencing. Any thoughts?

 

[Phil Andrews]

The current position from the BBRC is no Ruddy Shelduck has been considered wild since the 1950s.

 

[James Lowther]

BDEF categorisation means this species is essentially untickable (if you follow BOU) However there’s a good chance this will change soon-ish. There is an ongoing review and birds from the large feral population in Central Europe could become acceptable as vagrants from an external established population, cat C5 I think?
Cheers
James

 

[burnie]

One has been photographed at the Montrose Basin recently, I have seen them fairly frequently over the past 15 years in and around Montrose area.

 

[Gander]

One has been photographed at the Montrose Basin recently, I have seen them fairly frequently over the past 15 years in and around Montrose area.

The only other one I have ever seen was at the Montrose Basin. Must have been about 5 years ago.

 

[Bismarck Honeyeater]

BDEF categorisation means this species is essentially untickable (if you follow BOU) However there’s a good chance this will change soon-ish. There is an ongoing review and birds from the large feral population in Central Europe could become acceptable as vagrants from an external established population, cat C5 I think?
Cheers
James

I was hopeful of that happening, as I think we all know that is what is the most likely source of these birds every year.

However, BOURC’s consideration of White-headed Duck has left me less optimistic. WHD was thought likely to have occurred naturally, but because no one individual was provable, they rejected the lot.

Sadly, I can’t see how the decision can be any different for Ruddy Shelduck.

 

[wolfbirder]

I am not optimistic, and it is one of the reasons I don't really follow what the authorities say any more, its plainly ludicrous that Ruddy Shelduck isn't in category C5. They even created the category for such birds. BOU last had a wildfowl review a year or two ago, and I believe they do so every 4 years?

Whilst its plainly obvious that the influx of Ruddy Shelducks to the UK that occur virtually every year in summer/autumn correlates directly with their movement on the continent, apparently BOU think they must all be escapes. I have heard people say that it even makes a mockery of ability to adjudicate what is wild and what is not. Unfortunately, as I point out, they need to have a ringed individual to show that it comes from that population on the continent.

I understand the point, but in this case it is plainly ludicrous to the point of idiocy. Strangulated by their own bureaucracy.

 

[burnie]

There is no visible ring on the legs of the one photographed at Montrose Basin which was taken on the 10th of August.