Ruddy Duck

An unusual visitor to the reservoir. Due to interbreeding with White-headed Ducks possibly threatening that species, the Ruddy Duck, that was accidentally introduced from the USA, has been subject to an eradication program in Europe since 2005. As of March 2015 it was thought that about 40 birds remained in the UK with only 10 of those being females.

09/07/81 - Single male. Remained until 21/07

23/01/82 - 5 birds. Record count to date

12/08/84 - 2 females

22/03/85 - 2 males & a female, remaining through until 20/05

01/12/85 - Single female. Remaining over into beginning of 1986

(18/01/86 - Single female from above record)

09/03/86 - Single male

30/08/86 - Single male

02/01/87 - 2 birds

19/10/88 - Single female

24/12/94 - Single female, for one day only

07/01/97 - Single male in eclipse plumage. (BS)

03/10/97 - Pair

08/09/98 - Single female or imm. For one day only

30/10/98 - Single female or imm

08/01/99 - Single female or imm

05/10/99 - 4 birds

26/10/99 - Single female (KGH). Seen again on 27/10 (DWH)

01/01/01 - Single female

08/04/04 - Single imm male

24/09/05 - Single immature bird stayed 2 days