Is This A Tufted Duck ?

[ftm 3,357]

came across this little beauty this evening think it was on way to a bramble area so probably nesting -male was in lake and looked black n white in colour

[J Darcy 5,871]

Yes, it's the female. A little late to be nesting I would have thought.....it would be very unusual to get that close to a wild duck. Is she ok or was there something wrong with her?

[jok 3,394]

have to say no. No white bar across beak. Which part of the country are you.

[J Darcy 5,871]

have to say no. No white bar across beak. Which part of the country are you.

To be fair you can't really tell from that piccy, and with the 'black and white' male being on the water nearby gives the game away .

 

The only other duck that it could be is a Scoter, and it's not one of those IMO.

[jok 3,394]

Got to go with J Darcy's decision. It aint a scoter. The reason I ask where you are was just wondering about a migrant. We seem to be getting a lot of those lately.!!!!!

[ftm 3,357]

northeast England lads and I still reckon it had a nest as I released it onto lake then sat on nearby hill observing it and it made its way back to tame area -it seemed fine and think it just froze when dogs were mooching nearby ps they only pick birds on command so it was in no danger

[jok 3,394]

I reckon all young are well on their way to freedom from parents so doubt a nest unless 2nd hatching. Unusual.

[J Darcy 5,871]

I reckon all young are well on their way to freedom from parents so doubt a nest unless 2nd hatching. Unusual.

It won't be a nest this late I wouldn't imagine as the adults are only a couple of weeks away from eclipse....

[ftm 3,357]

cheers lads

[sandymere 8,263]

Does just look like a dark tip to beak but a better pic would be helpful to exclude a domestic, if a tufted and so tame it is likely an escaped captive bred bird.