Canada Goose 1
Teal 1
Ring-necked Duck 1 female-type. Wildfowl (Madge & Burn 1988) states that a 'whitish subterminal band develops during first autumn'. Could this therefore appear as white as that of the Wiston bird by February? Although perhaps not helpful, I also thought the band looked rather narrow. Furthermore, the eye-ring, line behind eye and vertical patch at the base of the bill were definitely buff-tinged and the crown appeared wholly brown (see Collins Bird Guide) as were the cheeks, and there was only the faintest trace of a paler spur on the flanks bordering the breast sides (see The North American Bird Guide), all of which are therefore perhaps traits more indicative of a first-winter female. To me the iris appeared dark at all times, although it was suggested that at the range of observation, and in the adverse weather conditions, an adult's eye would probably appear dark, which I fully accept as a possibility. Somewhat atypically didn’t hold tail raised but on diving undertail-coverts appeared all-brown. Bill had large black tip, narrow but contrasting white subterminal band, the basal two-thirds being grey. Lacked much contrast between the brown flanks and brown wings. Slight contrast between purplish-brown breast and browner flanks and head. Primaries the same length. Partly raised its wings when revealed the presence of a grey wing-stripe.
Coot c.5
