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  • River Greta flowing through Brundholme Wood, Keswick, Lake District, Cumbria, Uk
    154463.jpg
  • Tewet Tarn with Skiddaw and Blencathra in the background, Lake District, Cumbria, Uk
    154516.jpg
  • Tewet Tarn in the evening light looking towards Skiddaw and Blencathra, Lake District, Cumbria, Uk
    154517.jpg
  • Steppe Lake, Kazakhstan
    129539.jpg
  • Panoramic view from the path to Cat Bells looking west towards Causey Pike and Knott Rigg, Lake District, UK
    154437.jpg
  • Keswick and Derwent Water from Latrigg, Lake District, Cumbria, UK
    154486.jpg
  • Tewet Tarn with Skiddaw and Blencathra in the background, Lake District, Cumbria, Uk
    154508.jpg
  • Waterfowl Lake and Mount Chephren, Banff National Park, Canada
    159482.jpg
  • Arctic Charr Salvelinus alpinus Length 50-70cm<br />
This is an attractive member of the salmon family that, outside its limited British range, is restricted to northern and Arctic regions. It is a relict species from the last post-glacial era, now mostly confined to land-locked and isolated populations in deep lakes in upland districts in N Wales, the Lake District, Scotland and Ireland; Welsh fish are called Torgoch. Adult male Arctic Charr have greenish grey upperparts and a bright red belly; female fish have subdued colours.
    103495.jpg
  • WATER LOBELIA Lobelia dortmanna (Campanulaceae) Aquatic. Hairless perennial with slender, hollow and leafless stems. Grows in acid waters of upland and western lakes with gravelly bottoms. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long, the corolla lilac and 2-lipped, the upper with 2 narrow lobes, the lower one with 3 narrow lobes; borne in spikes on slender stalks (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow and fleshy; in rosettes on lake beds.
    106380.jpg
  • WATER LOBELIA Lobelia dortmanna (Campanulaceae) Aquatic. Hairless perennial with slender, hollow and leafless stems. Grows in acid waters of upland and western lakes with gravelly bottoms. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long, the corolla lilac and 2-lipped, the upper with 2 narrow lobes, the lower one with 3 narrow lobes; borne in spikes on slender stalks (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow and fleshy; in rosettes on lake beds.
    144604.jpg
  • Saw/Great Fen Sedge (Cladium mariscus) HEIGHT to 2.5m. Imposing plant of fens and lake margins. Sometimes forms dense stands, and still cut commercially in E Anglia. FLOWERS Glossy reddish-brown spikelets, in branched clusters (July- Aug). FRUITS shiny, dark brown. LEAVES Long, saw-edged, often bent at an angle.
    106536.jpg
  • Peyto Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
    159952.jpg
  • Peyto Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
    159953.jpg
  • Reedbed and Lake
    127630.jpg
  • Medicine Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
    159539.jpg
  • Ice-covered lake - Arctic Norway
    161181.jpg
  • Beavert Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
    159943.jpg
  • Small lake close to Elkwood camp ground, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Kananaskis
    159969.jpg
  • Marl Lake, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Kananaskis, Canada
    159970.jpg
  • Northern Green Orchid - Platanthera hyperborea growing beside Marl Lake, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Kananaskis
    159971.jpg
  • Northern Green Orchid - Platanthera hyperborea growing beside Marl Lake, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Kananaskis
    159972.jpg
  • Mountain stream feeding Lake O'Hara, Yoho National Park, Canada
    159544.jpg
  • Mountain stream running into Lake O'Hara, Yoho National Park, Canada
    159543.jpg
  • Lake Maligne in Jasper National Park, Canada
    159530.jpg
  • Beavert Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
    159508.jpg
  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
    157575.jpg
  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
    155719.jpg
  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus - Juvenile. L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
    154925.jpg
  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus - Juvenile. L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
    154926.jpg
  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
    154927.jpg
  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
    154929.jpg
  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
    154928.jpg
  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
    154908.jpg
  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
    154910.jpg
  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
    154909.jpg
  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
    154911.jpg
  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
    154912.jpg
  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus - Juvenile. L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
    154833.jpg
  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
    127290.jpg
  • Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator L 52-58cm. Slim duck with shaggy, spiky, crest. Dives frequently in search of fish. In flight, all birds show white on upper surface of inner wing; extent is greatest in male. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has narrow red bill, green head, white neck and orange-red breast. Flanks are grey and back is black. In eclipse, similar to adult female but retains extensive white on wing. Adult female has red bill, dirty orange head and nape and paler throat; body is otherwise greyish buff. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Nests beside fish-rich lakes and rivers, mainly in N; locally common. Influx from N Europe boosts numbers in winter and then common on estuaries and sheltered coasts.
    155737.jpg
  • Mute Swan - Cygnus olor. Close up of adult head. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    155089.jpg
  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    153958.jpg
  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    153962.jpg
  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    127264.jpg
  • Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula L 40-47cm. Familiar diving duck. Tufted crown useful in identification. Gregarious in winter. In flight, note white wingbar. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage; purplish sheen on head seen in good light. Has yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. In eclipse, white elements of plumage are buffish brown. Adult female has mainly brown plumage, palest on flanks and belly. Has white at base of bill (less than female Scaup), yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with duller colours. Voice Male utters a soft peep. Status Common year-round on lakes, reservoirs and flooded gravel pits.. Several thousand pairs breed; winter numbers boosted dramatically by migrants from mainland Europe.
    127282.jpg
  • Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis L 35-43cm. North American species with established feral populations. Tail is regularly cocked up. Male is unmistakable but female could be mistaken for winter plumage Little Grebe. Adult male has orange-chestnut body plumage, white cheeks and stern, black cap and nape, and bright blue bill; colours are brightest in spring. Adult female has grey-brown plumage with paler cheeks and dark line from base of bill; bill is dull blue-grey. Voice Mostly silent. Status Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits with vegetated margins. Escaped from Slimbridge several decades ago, now locally common in lowland Britain.
    128872.jpg
  • Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula L 40-47cm. Familiar diving duck. Tufted crown useful in identification. Gregarious in winter. In flight, note white wingbar. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage; purplish sheen on head seen in good light. Has yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. In eclipse, white elements of plumage are buffish brown. Adult female has mainly brown plumage, palest on flanks and belly. Has white at base of bill (less than female Scaup), yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with duller colours. Voice Male utters a soft peep. Status Common year-round on lakes, reservoirs and flooded gravel pits.. Several thousand pairs breed; winter numbers boosted dramatically by migrants from mainland Europe.
    133088.jpg
  • Pochard Aythya ferina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
    143103.jpg
  • Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator L 52-58cm. Slim duck with shaggy, spiky, crest. Dives frequently in search of fish. In flight, all birds show white on upper surface of inner wing; extent is greatest in male. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has narrow red bill, green head, white neck and orange-red breast. Flanks are grey and back is black. In eclipse, similar to adult female but retains extensive white on wing. Adult female has red bill, dirty orange head and nape and paler throat; body is otherwise greyish buff. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Nests beside fish-rich lakes and rivers, mainly in N; locally common. Influx from N Europe boosts numbers in winter and then common on estuaries and sheltered coasts.
    143237.jpg
  • Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca L 38-42cm. Attractive diving duck. In flight, all birds show striking white wingbar on upperwing, white underwings and white belly. In all birds, cap is peaked and bill is mainly grey; pale band separates grey from dark tip. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has rich, reddish brown plumage, darkest on back, almost black on rump and tail. Has white stern and white belly (latter only visible in flight) and white eye. Adult female is similar to adult male but reddish colouration is duller and eye is dark. Juvenile is similar to adult female but duller colours. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce visitor, mainly outside breeding season. Species’ status is confused by presence of undoubted escapees from captivity. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    143473.jpg
  • Pochard Aythya ferina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
    145635.jpg
  • Kingfisher Alcedo atthis L 16-17cm. Dazzling bird with dagger-like bill. Perches on branches overhanging water and plunge-dives after small fish. Flies low over water on whirring wings. Excavates nest burrow in riverbank. Sexes are separable. Adult male has orange-red underparts, mainly blue upperparts with electric-blue back. Legs and feet are red and bill is all-dark. Adult female is similar but base of lower mandible is flushed red. Juvenile is similar to adult but bill tip is pale. Voice Utters high-pitched call in flight. Status Widespread resident of streams and lakes, commonest in lowland areas.
    157695.jpg
  • Kingfisher- Alcedo atthis - female. L 16-17cm. Dazzling bird with dagger-like bill. Perches on branches overhanging water and plunge-dives after small fish. Flies low over water on whirring wings. Excavates nest burrow in riverbank. Sexes are separable. Adult male has orange-red underparts, mainly blue upperparts with electric-blue back. Legs and feet are red and bill is all-dark. Adult female is similar but base of lower mandible is flushed red. Juvenile is similar to adult but bill tip is pale. Voice Utters high-pitched call in flight. Status Widespread resident of streams and lakes, commonest in lowland areas.
    157704.jpg
  • Red-crested Pochard - Netta rufina - female L 54-57cm. Large, distinctive diving duck; male is unmistakable. Associates with other diving ducks. In flight, both sexes show striking white wing bars. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has rounded, bright orange head, black neck, breast, belly and stern, and white flanks. Back is grey-buff and bill is bright red. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains red bill. Adult female has mainly grey-buff plumage, darkest on back and above eye, and pale cheeks. Bill is mainly dark with pink tip. Juvenile Resembles adult female but bill is uniformly dark. Voice Mostly silent. Status Occurs in mainland Europe; some records may be genuine vagrants but most sightings are certainly escapees; feral populations are now established. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits
    157677.jpg
  • Ferruginous Duck - Aythya ferruginea. L 38-42cm. Attractive diving duck. In flight, all birds show striking white wingbar on upperwing, white underwings and white belly. In all birds, cap is peaked and bill is mainly grey; pale band separates grey from dark tip. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has rich, reddish brown plumage, darkest on back, almost black on rump and tail. Has white stern and white belly (latter only visible in flight) and white eye. Adult female is similar to adult male but reddish colouration is duller and eye is dark. Juvenile is similar to adult female but duller colours. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce visitor, mainly outside breeding season. Species’ status is confused by presence of undoubted escapees from captivity. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    157676.jpg
  • Ferruginous Duck - Aythya ferruginea. L 38-42cm. Attractive diving duck. In flight, all birds show striking white wingbar on upperwing, white underwings and white belly. In all birds, cap is peaked and bill is mainly grey; pale band separates grey from dark tip. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has rich, reddish brown plumage, darkest on back, almost black on rump and tail. Has white stern and white belly (latter only visible in flight) and white eye. Adult female is similar to adult male but reddish colouration is duller and eye is dark. Juvenile is similar to adult female but duller colours. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce visitor, mainly outside breeding season. Species’ status is confused by presence of undoubted escapees from captivity. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    157674.jpg
  • Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos L 18-20cm. Active little wader with a bobbing gait and elongated tail end. Flies on bowed, fluttering wings low over water: note white wingbar and absence of white rump. Sexes are similar.<br />
Adult has warm brown upperparts with faint dark centres and barring feathers of back and wings. Head and neck are grey-brown; note clear demarcation between dark breast and white underparts, white extending up sides of breast. Juvenile is similar but wing covert feathers s are barred. Voice Utters a whistling tswee-wee-wee call. Status Fairly common summer visitor, nesting beside upland and northern rivers and lakes. Widespread and fairly common passage migrant, found at inland sites and on coasts. A handful overwinter.
    157244.jpg
  • Mandarin Duck - Aix galericulata - Male. L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
    157147.jpg
  • Mandarin Duck - Aix galericulata - male. L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
    157146.jpg
  • Mandarin Duck - Aix galericulata - male. L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
    157145.jpg
  • Mandarin Duck - Aix galericulata - male. L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
    157144.jpg
  • Mandarin Duck - Aix galericulata - Male.  L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
    157142.jpg
  • Mandarin Duck - Aix galericulata - Male.  L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
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  • Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator L 52-58cm. Slim duck with shaggy, spiky, crest. Dives frequently in search of fish. In flight, all birds show white on upper surface of inner wing; extent is greatest in male. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has narrow red bill, green head, white neck and orange-red breast. Flanks are grey and back is black. In eclipse, similar to adult female but retains extensive white on wing. Adult female has red bill, dirty orange head and nape and paler throat; body is otherwise greyish buff. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Nests beside fish-rich lakes and rivers, mainly in N; locally common. Influx from N Europe boosts numbers in winter and then common on estuaries and sheltered coasts.
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  • Mandarin Duck - Aix galericulata - Male in flight.  L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
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  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina - Male. L 54-57cm. Large, distinctive diving duck; male is unmistakable. Associates with other diving ducks. In flight, both sexes show striking white wing bars. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has rounded, bright orange head, black neck, breast, belly and stern, and white flanks. Back is grey-buff and bill is bright red. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains red bill. Adult female has mainly grey-buff plumage, darkest on back and above eye, and pale cheeks. Bill is mainly dark with pink tip. Juvenile Resembles adult female but bill is uniformly dark. Voice Mostly silent. Status Occurs in mainland Europe; some records may be genuine vagrants but most sightings are certainly escapees; feral populations are now established. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits
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  • Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator L 52-58cm. Slim duck with shaggy, spiky, crest. Dives frequently in search of fish. In flight, all birds show white on upper surface of inner wing; extent is greatest in male. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has narrow red bill, green head, white neck and orange-red breast. Flanks are grey and back is black. In eclipse, similar to adult female but retains extensive white on wing. Adult female has red bill, dirty orange head and nape and paler throat; body is otherwise greyish buff. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Nests beside fish-rich lakes and rivers, mainly in N; locally common. Influx from N Europe boosts numbers in winter and then common on estuaries and sheltered coasts.
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  • Pochard - Aythya ferina - Females in flight.  L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
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  • Goldeneye - Bucephala clangula - Female. L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor - Juvenile. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula - Male. L 40-47cm. Familiar diving duck. Tufted crown useful in identification. Gregarious in winter. In flight, note white wingbar. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage; purplish sheen on head seen in good light. Has yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. In eclipse, white elements of plumage are buffish brown. Adult female has mainly brown plumage, palest on flanks and belly. Has white at base of bill (less than female Scaup), yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with duller colours. Voice Male utters a soft peep. Status Common year-round on lakes, reservoirs and flooded gravel pits.. Several thousand pairs breed; winter numbers boosted dramatically by migrants from mainland Europe.
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  • Common Pochard Athya ferina - male in flight. L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
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  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Osprey Pandion haliaetus W 145-160cm. The classic fish-eating raptor. Can look gull-like in flight but fishing technique is unmistakable: hovers, then plunges talons first into water. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly brown upperparts, except for pale crown; underparts are mainly whitish with darker chest band. In flight from below, looks pale overall with dark carpal patches, dark band along base of flight feathers and dark terminal band on barred tail. Juvenile is similar to adult but darker markings are less distinct. Voice Utters various whistling calls. Status Migrant visitor, seldom seen far from water even on migration. Nests close to large waterbodies, mainly in N. Breeding range is gradually extending S; also introduced in places (notably Rutland Water). Passage migrants sometimes linger for a few days at fish-rich lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Osprey Pandion haliaetus W 145-160cm. The classic fish-eating raptor. Can look gull-like in flight but fishing technique is unmistakable: hovers, then plunges talons first into water. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly brown upperparts, except for pale crown; underparts are mainly whitish with darker chest band. In flight from below, looks pale overall with dark carpal patches, dark band along base of flight feathers and dark terminal band on barred tail. Juvenile is similar to adult but darker markings are less distinct. Voice Utters various whistling calls. Status Migrant visitor, seldom seen far from water even on migration. Nests close to large waterbodies, mainly in N. Breeding range is gradually extending S; also introduced in places (notably Rutland Water). Passage migrants sometimes linger for a few days at fish-rich lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Osprey Pandion haliaetus W 145-160cm. The classic fish-eating raptor. Can look gull-like in flight but fishing technique is unmistakable: hovers, then plunges talons first into water. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly brown upperparts, except for pale crown; underparts are mainly whitish with darker chest band. In flight from below, looks pale overall with dark carpal patches, dark band along base of flight feathers and dark terminal band on barred tail. Juvenile is similar to adult but darker markings are less distinct. Voice Utters various whistling calls. Status Migrant visitor, seldom seen far from water even on migration. Nests close to large waterbodies, mainly in N. Breeding range is gradually extending S; also introduced in places (notably Rutland Water). Passage migrants sometimes linger for a few days at fish-rich lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
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  • GREATER SPEARWORT Ranunculus lingua (Ranunculaceae) Height to 1m. Robust and upright perennial of fens and the shallow margins of ponds and lakes. Plant has long runners. FLOWERS are 20-40mm across with 5 yellow petals; borne on furrowed stalks (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are rough and winged, with a curved beak. LEAVES are narrow, 25cm long and sometimes toothed. STATUS-Widespread but local.
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  • GREATER SPEARWORT Ranunculus lingua (Ranunculaceae) Height to 1m. Robust and upright perennial of fens and the shallow margins of ponds and lakes. Plant has long runners. FLOWERS are 20-40mm across with 5 yellow petals; borne on furrowed stalks (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are rough and winged, with a curved beak. LEAVES are narrow, 25cm long and sometimes toothed. STATUS-Widespread but local.
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  • SIX-STAMENED WATERWORT Elatine hexandra (Elatinaceae)  Prostrate. Creeping, often mat-forming annual that is often tinged red. Found on the bare, shallow and drying margins of peaty pools and lakes. FLOWERS are tiny and comprise 3 pinkish petals, 3 blunt sepals and 6 stamens (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are spoon-shaped; in opposite pairs or 4s. STATUS-Extremely local, mainly SE England.
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  • Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis L 35-43cm. North American species with established feral populations. Tail is regularly cocked up. Male is unmistakable but female could be mistaken for winter plumage Little Grebe. Adult male has orange-chestnut body plumage, white cheeks and stern, black cap and nape, and bright blue bill; colours are brightest in spring. Adult female has grey-brown plumage with paler cheeks and dark line from base of bill; bill is dull blue-grey. Voice Mostly silent. Status Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits with vegetated margins. Escaped from Slimbridge several decades ago, now locally common in lowland Britain.
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  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula L 40-47cm. Familiar diving duck. Tufted crown useful in identification. Gregarious in winter. In flight, note white wingbar. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage; purplish sheen on head seen in good light. Has yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. In eclipse, white elements of plumage are buffish brown. Adult female has mainly brown plumage, palest on flanks and belly. Has white at base of bill (less than female Scaup), yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with duller colours. Voice Male utters a soft peep. Status Common year-round on lakes, reservoirs and flooded gravel pits.. Several thousand pairs breed; winter numbers boosted dramatically by migrants from mainland Europe.
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  • Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos L 18-20cm. Active little wader with a bobbing gait and elongated tail end. Flies on bowed, fluttering wings low over water: note white wingbar and absence of white rump. Sexes are similar.<br />
Adult has warm brown upperparts with faint dark centres and barring feathers of back and wings. Head and neck are grey-brown; note clear demarcation between dark breast and white underparts, white extending up sides of breast. Juvenile is similar but wing covert feathers s are barred. Voice Utters a whistling tswee-wee-wee call. Status Fairly common summer visitor, nesting beside upland and northern rivers and lakes. Widespread and fairly common passage migrant, found at inland sites and on coasts. A handful overwinter.
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  • Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos L 18-20cm. Active little wader with a bobbing gait and elongated tail end. Flies on bowed, fluttering wings low over water: note white wingbar and absence of white rump. Sexes are similar.<br />
Adult has warm brown upperparts with faint dark centres and barring feathers of back and wings. Head and neck are grey-brown; note clear demarcation between dark breast and white underparts, white extending up sides of breast. Juvenile is similar but wing covert feathers s are barred. Voice Utters a whistling tswee-wee-wee call. Status Fairly common summer visitor, nesting beside upland and northern rivers and lakes. Widespread and fairly common passage migrant, found at inland sites and on coasts. A handful overwinter.
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  • Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos L 18-20cm. Active little wader with a bobbing gait and elongated tail end. Flies on bowed, fluttering wings low over water: note white wingbar and absence of white rump. Sexes are similar.<br />
Adult has warm brown upperparts with faint dark centres and barring feathers of back and wings. Head and neck are grey-brown; note clear demarcation between dark breast and white underparts, white extending up sides of breast. Juvenile is similar but wing covert feathers s are barred. Voice Utters a whistling tswee-wee-wee call. Status Fairly common summer visitor, nesting beside upland and northern rivers and lakes. Widespread and fairly common passage migrant, found at inland sites and on coasts. A handful overwinter.
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  • Osprey Pandion haliaetus W 145-160cm. The classic fish-eating raptor. Can look gull-like in flight but fishing technique is unmistakable: hovers, then plunges talons first into water. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly brown upperparts, except for pale crown; underparts are mainly whitish with darker chest band. In flight from below, looks pale overall with dark carpal patches, dark band along base of flight feathers and dark terminal band on barred tail. Juvenile is similar to adult but darker markings are less distinct. Voice Utters various whistling calls. Status Migrant visitor, seldom seen far from water even on migration. Nests close to large waterbodies, mainly in N. Breeding range is gradually extending S; also introduced in places (notably Rutland Water). Passage migrants sometimes linger for a few days at fish-rich lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Osprey Pandion haliaetus W 145-160cm. The classic fish-eating raptor. Can look gull-like in flight but fishing technique is unmistakable: hovers, then plunges talons first into water. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly brown upperparts, except for pale crown; underparts are mainly whitish with darker chest band. In flight from below, looks pale overall with dark carpal patches, dark band along base of flight feathers and dark terminal band on barred tail. Juvenile is similar to adult but darker markings are less distinct. Voice Utters various whistling calls. Status Migrant visitor, seldom seen far from water even on migration. Nests close to large waterbodies, mainly in N. Breeding range is gradually extending S; also introduced in places (notably Rutland Water). Passage migrants sometimes linger for a few days at fish-rich lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca L 38-42cm. Attractive diving duck. In flight, all birds show striking white wingbar on upperwing, white underwings and white belly. In all birds, cap is peaked and bill is mainly grey; pale band separates grey from dark tip. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has rich, reddish brown plumage, darkest on back, almost black on rump and tail. Has white stern and white belly (latter only visible in flight) and white eye. Adult female is similar to adult male but reddish colouration is duller and eye is dark. Juvenile is similar to adult female but duller colours. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce visitor, mainly outside breeding season. Species’ status is confused by presence of undoubted escapees from captivity. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca L 38-42cm. Attractive diving duck. In flight, all birds show striking white wingbar on upperwing, white underwings and white belly. In all birds, cap is peaked and bill is mainly grey; pale band separates grey from dark tip. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has rich, reddish brown plumage, darkest on back, almost black on rump and tail. Has white stern and white belly (latter only visible in flight) and white eye. Adult female is similar to adult male but reddish colouration is duller and eye is dark. Juvenile is similar to adult female but duller colours. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce visitor, mainly outside breeding season. Species’ status is confused by presence of undoubted escapees from captivity. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator L 52-58cm. Slim duck with shaggy, spiky, crest. Dives frequently in search of fish. In flight, all birds show white on upper surface of inner wing; extent is greatest in male. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has narrow red bill, green head, white neck and orange-red breast. Flanks are grey and back is black. In eclipse, similar to adult female but retains extensive white on wing. Adult female has red bill, dirty orange head and nape and paler throat; body is otherwise greyish buff. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Nests beside fish-rich lakes and rivers, mainly in N; locally common. Influx from N Europe boosts numbers in winter and then common on estuaries and sheltered coasts.
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  • Pochard Aythya farina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
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  • Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina L 54-57cm. Large, distinctive diving duck; male is unmistakable. Associates with other diving ducks. In flight, both sexes show striking white wing bars. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has rounded, bright orange head, black neck, breast, belly and stern, and white flanks. Back is grey-buff and bill is bright red. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains red bill. Adult female has mainly grey-buff plumage, darkest on back and above eye, and pale cheeks. Bill is mainly dark with pink tip. Juvenile Resembles adult female but bill is uniformly dark. Voice Mostly silent. Status Occurs in mainland Europe; some records may be genuine vagrants but most sightings are certainly escapees; feral populations are now established. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Pochard Aythya farina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
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  • Smew Mergus albellus L 38-44cm. Elegant little diving duck. Male is stunning and unmistakable. Female might be confused with grebe in winter plumage. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male looks pure white at a distance but close view reveals black patch through eye and black lines on breast and back. In eclipse (not seen here) resembles adult female but retains more extensive white on wing. Adult female, Juvenile and 1st winter birds (so-called ‘Redhead’ Smews) have orange-red cap and nape, white on cheek and throat, and grey-brown body. Voice Silent. Status Occasional and unpredictable winter visitor. Turns up on flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
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