Psilos Wildfowl Photography |
Long tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) |
Also known as the Old Squaw in the US this is a very attractive sea duck. They do not breed in the UK but instead breed in the Arctic circle on freshwater pools, lakes and rivers. Wintering grounds here can be found in east Scotland and England on the sea, usually some distance from the shore. |
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This is the male Long tailed duck and he is my all time favourite duck. With his long tail and subtle colouring he is just gorgeous! Imagine my excitement this week (November 2004) when I found that Martinmere had introduced two females and one male to their new pool feature. I was so excited it was all I could do to stop my hands from shaking when taking their photograph. |
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The photo above shows the male and one of the females. Their call is really quite striking and they are one of the noisiest sea ducks. The males make a yodelling call throughout the year and at any time of day or night. The females make a low quacking. Their diet consists of mussels, cockles, clams, crabs and small fish It is estimated that the UK wintering population is around 23,500 birds. |
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