Bird of month - Pochard

This attractive duck is widespread in the Blackwater Valley at this time of the year. It is a rare breeding bird in the UK, but is a common winter species on shallow inland waters. Hence, it can be found in many locations from Badshot Lea Lake in the south to Moor Green Lakes further north.

Generally Pochard prefer undisturbed waters to those used for water-based activities, such as boating, windsurfing and water ski-ing, although they may appear on these in smaller numbers at quiet times. When the water freezes they are inclined to move to ice-free coastal waters, deserting our Valley temporarily. Movements to the Thames estuary in thousands have been recorded in the past and almost certainly would have included some local birds.

Pochard are mainly vegetarian and feed, day and night, on seeds and parts of submerged plants. Old gravel pits and reservoirs are particularly favoured. They are often seen associating with other duck such as the Tufted Duck, Wigeon and Gadwall on our local sites.

The migration activities of Pochard have been studied and reflect a clear westward movement in winter from northern and eastern Europe to Britain for the winter months. Breeding of British ringed birds has been recorded through Germany, Poland and into Russian states with a handful as close as France. Birds have also been found here having been ringed in summer in Spain.

The drake Pochard is a striking bird with a chestnut-coloured head, a black breast and a pale grey back with a black rear. If you see the eye it is a bright red colour. The female, as in most ducks, is fairly dull, one of the most significant features on some birds being a clear pale grey sub terminal band on the otherwise black bill. Otherwise the bird is mainly brown with a light brown head (a paler face patch is easily observed) and a darker brown breast and a mottled grey/brown back. They tend to be seen with males in tight groups so can be quite easily spotted by shape as the forehead slopes more than most species.

About 100 of these attractive birds might be seen at Moor Green Lakes in December and populations will be at Frimley Hatches, Tongham Pool and Badshot Lea Lake for those searching in the higher end of the Valley.

Colin Wilson

Berkshire Ornithological Club
www.berksoc.org.uk                                                            

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