Ducks of the Otter Valley

Local News:

It goes without saying that ducks are seen in the Otter Valley.  But, the variety of duck is quite profound.  Here David R. White has collated 12 species that he has observed and photographed in, or near, the Lower Otter Nature Reserve.   Other species of ducks can be seen in different parts of Devon, particularly near the coast. It seems likely that more species may be seen as the new reserve matures. A further complication with duck identification is that sometimes a vagrant species turns up. It may decide to stay & perhaps even hybridise with one of our more common species!

  1. Mallard ducks are common residents, present in large numbers, & can be seen all year round. They are prolific breeders, but many ducklings fall prey to predators. these include peregrine falcon, heron, large gulls, otters stoats etc.. It s possible that the large numbers of potential prey on the new reserve, may attract a raptor like marsh harriers.
  2. Teal our smallest duck that spends the winter with us & is currently the most numerous duck species on the reserve. A recent count confirmed around 500  being present. In winter they can sometimes be seen feeding at night.
  3. Wigeon, another duck, smaller than a mallard, which spends the winter with us. Currently over 200 of these ducks are present on the new reserve. In flight, wigeon show white bellies, & the drakes have large white wing patches.
  4. Shelduck, this is the UK s second largest duck & both sexes have a bright red bill. Numbers are increasing on the new reserve,& I suspect that 2024 was their most successful breeding year, with probably over 20 juveniles successfully fledging. The female lacks cryptic plumage seen on most female ducks. She chooses to breed in old rabbit burrows, under a bramble bush or similar spot where camouflage is not really necessary.
  5. Goosander these ducks show a strong preference for fresh water, as found in the river otter. They are one of three species of so called ' saw billed ducks ' . This adaption allows the bird to grip slippery fish which it its main food source. They will also eat molluscs crustaceans worms small mammals & even small birds. Their attractively marked ducklings can sometimes be seen in the river accompanied by their concerned mum.

 

Mallard

Teal

Wigeon

Shelduck

Goosander

Tufted

Pochard

Gadwall

Mandarin

Shoveler

   

Pintail

Garganey

   

Much more scarce species that might be seen from time to time include:-

  1. Tufted ducks. These small diving ducks can be found where deep fresh water is present. They can dive for up to 20 seconds & to a depth of over 40 feet. They will dabble too. few pairs do breed in the otter valley, but many of the almost black ducklings are lost to predators.
  2. Pochard. A scarcely seen diving duck which also needs water deep enough to accommodate its diving behaviour in search of food. These can sometimes be found among small flocks of tufted ducks.
  3. Gadwall. Another scarce visitor to the reserve. The drakes show exquisitely fine stripes & speckles o the breast. in flight has an obvious white wing patch & also black & chestnut on the upper wings.
  4. Mandarin ducks. This species shows a really dramatic difference between the male & female. These birds have been known to fly up to 500 miles in a single day! They are regarded by many as the most beautiful duck in the world.
  5. Shoveler ducks. Unmistakeable due to its spatulate bill. In flight its pale blue wing feathers are revealed. The female is a drab mottled brown. similar to a mallard, but easily identified by its bill.
  6. Pintail. A very scarce visitor to the otter valley, but good numbers can be seen on the river Exe;  this could well change. This species is slightly larger than a mallard, with a small head & long neck. They have extensive migratory routes & have been spotted on every continent except Antarctica. Both sexes have grey feet & they can fly at up to 65 M P H.
  7. Garganey is a really rare species which overwinters in warm countries like Africa & beyond. Very occasionally one may be seen between March & October

 

Please do let us know if you see any other species as you walk or travel through the Otter Valley.