DUCK I.D.?

Well, after much Googling, I found an image that looks something similar to my bird albeit mine is paler and creamier...and yes, it is a Gadwall. I confess, in all my years birding I have never seen one in this plumage before. It is also the first Gadwall I have ever seen at Tetney blow wells in over 30 years too. You live and learn eh.

You can't beat a mystery bird ! Send it to Birdwatching magazine and see what they make of it.Ducks really do know how to confuse matters

If anybody has got "Photographic Guide to the Birds of Britain & Europe" Hakan Delia & Lars Svensson, the male Gadwall depicted in there looks like yours Nick with small tail plumes. Very similar to this weeks Falcated Teal Allan. It looks in immaculate condition. 

Pete

wrote:

Don't want to get you over excited but it looks very much like a Falcated Duck judging by its tail

There was no iridescence to its head. It was quite a muted chocolate cap/nape with a very smooth almost buff chin, throat and back with pale dove grey side and chest as opposed to a deeper grey of a Gadwall. Black and white bars showing from wing and tail area. The colouring and texture reminded me more of a Waxwing.

Don't want to get you over excited but it looks very much like a Falcated Duck judging by its tail

Intriguing bird. Do gadwalls hybridise with other species?