Sea Duck ? (1 Viewer)

[Nigel G]

Seen on its own this afternoon in Chesil Cove. Swam continously in a large rectangle from almost the beach to about 200 yds offshore. Not seen to dive but when raised up to wing stretch showed a pale belly with a distinct demarcation to the darker breast.

I've been through Scooters, Scaup and various others in my guide but can't match the strong dark bill with the redish head and breast and the pale back.

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Hi Nigel,

It's a female Pochard.

 

[passavy]

I also vote for Female Pochard. I agree it is quite unusual to see that bird on the sea!

Guillaume

 

[Nigel G]

Thanks Andrew and Passavy - Not so difficult when you point it out. I guess it was the location that led to the confusion - I'm more use to seeing them on gravel pits or at least esturine conditions rather than open sea and a pebble beach.

 

[Woodchatshrike]

I saw a male pochard at Ruddons Point Fife at the weekend. It flew around for ages and then finally landed with a group of half a dozen Scaup. It looked all at sea there!!!

 

[Joern Lehmhus]

Female Pochard,as said already...
At the German part of the Baltic Sea coast, you always see pochards (often together with Tufted Duck and Greater Scaup on the Sea in Winter though they prefer sheltered bays to open shores.
Not commonly on sea at the German North Sea Coast , though...

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

I saw a male pochard at Ruddons Point Fife at the weekend. It flew around for ages and then finally landed with a group of half a dozen Scaup. It looked all at sea there!!!

I think there used to be a reasonable wintering flock of Pochard (along with loads of Scaup, Goldeneye and Tufted Duck) off Methil Power Station. They're a bit unusual in other coastal situations I suppose but, like any duck, can turn up on the sea from time to time.

 

[James Lowther]

Pochard is I think quite unusual for Portland, Martin Cade at the obs would probably be interested in that record Nigel.

James