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Thursday, 18 September 2025

The last Ruddy Duck in the UK?

Well: just possibly...  Following the RSPB-endorsed cull of the UK population of these delightful American ducks a few years back I thought I'd never see another: so when this female (or juvenile male) turned up at Leathe's Ham, Lowestoft I decided I had to go for a look. Now the SWC has visited this location before (failing to find a Penduline Tit) so I knew what to expect. There are hardly any places on the overgrown bank where you can actually see any water at all, but I persevered, moving from one 'vantage point' to the next and back for an hour. Finally I managed to find and photograph this dapper little duck: I wonder if it's a recent arrival from the USA?

Since I was in the area, I dropped in on Ness Point, where a newly-arrived Wheatear and a couple of Black Redstarts were great bonus species. The 'net posts' nearby held just a ringed Kestrel. Finally: could this be a Caspian Gull?





















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