Friday 1 February 2013

Ratty lives with a Mandarin

Mandarin Duck, Aix galericulata
A quick visit to Arundel WWT gave me an opportunity to take the 20 minute electric boat safari around the wetlands. My guide gave an excellent account of the wildlife, especially the Water Vole which has been successfully reintroduced to the protected wetlands. The Water Shrew is also abundant and there is a survey being undertaken to determine the numbers. A Kingfisher landed within sight of the Sand Martin hide and I spotted Mandarins, Eiders, a Swan Goose and a feisty lady Australian Wood Duck. 

Common Eider, Somateria mollissima
Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis
female Australian Wood Duck, Chenonetta jubata
 This feisty lady came up and pecked at my laces and trousers!
Nēnē (Hawaiian Goose), Branta sandvicensis
Nēnē (Hawaiian Goose), Branta sandvicensis
Mandarin Duck, Aix galericulata
Swan Goose, Anser cygnoides
Swan Goose, Anser cygnoides
White-faced Whistling Duck, Dendrocygna viduata

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