This pair are currently residing on Llay Pool, between Llay and Cefn Y Bedd. They have also been on the Flash in recent days where these pics were taken by local birder Hugh Linn. They appear to be hybrid Ruddy/Common shelducks. There have been a few of these in recent years. There was also a pure male ruddy shelduck a number of years back who perhaps is the mystery father.
Thanks for those pics. Fab looking birds!
ReplyDeleteNo problem. I still think they are hybrid ruddy/common but the green headed bird has a White collar which fits neither species.
ReplyDeleteThat is a feature of Australian Shellduck. As is the white eyering and white feathering at the base of the bill on the female. But they are much darker birds than Ruddies. Maybe the above birds gene base consists of Common, Ruddy and Australian Shellduck. But how they make this bird, I'm not exactly sure how?
ReplyDeleteYes, my friend Hugh, thought there might be a bit of Australian involved.
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