Ruddy shelduck, Hope Carr

There was a nice drake ruddy shelduck at Hope Carr today, associating with a pair of common shelduck. I say associating, it seemed to be hoping for more than an association with the female and spent most of the time trying to drive away the male. It's a big, aggressive bird and if it continues I don't hold out much hope for the male shelduck, but for now the female seems to be sticking with him and trying to escape the attentions of the new interloper. It was constantly calling during the whole of the 45 minutes or so that I watched.

Ruddy shelduck is not currently on the British list, with all recent records considered to be escapes or from the increasing European feral populations, though there are records of wild birds from the 19th century.  The feral population in Europe apparently wanders in late summer with August and September the best months to see them in the UK. Based on this the species seems about to be added to Category C on the British list. Where that leaves a bird in spring I'm not sure but whatever, it's a great bird which I'm pleased to have seen.

With the drake shelduck. Whatever it's origins, it's an impressive and beautiful bird.

With the female shelduck.