Pal-Mates — weekend web tip
I is for Ixworth. The home of Reginald Appleyard, who developed the Silver Appleyard duck. Well known as a showman and broadcaster in his day, he said: ‘I like to see each bird “on the move,” no matter what the breed; action counts in all stock. The duck which carries herself properly and “goes well” […]
Pal-Mates weekend web tip
Planning a new pond? When it comes to water, quantity is important but quality is vital. Dabbling ducks spend most of their time on the surface, but many others naturally wish to dive. They will appreciate deeper water to express their natural behaviour. Don’t forget to plan in a method of emptying the pond. At some […]
Are you secure?
Do you know the signs of #BirdFlu? See APHA’s list of signs here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu… Contact your vet immediately if you suspect #AvianInfluenza. It is a legal requirement to report it to APHA if you are in England, Wales or Scotland. Unfortunately, as of 29th December 2021, there are now 65 confirmed cases of Avian Influenza […]
Weekend Webbies — Just One Thing
With our birds probably in flockdown, their drinking and bathing water might not be in the ideal pool. Movement can keep water open, but smaller volumes than usual may be prone to freezing if we get a really cold snap. Check to make sure birds can still get out if a rim of ice was […]
Common Pochard
Though familiar, we mostly tend to see wild Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) in winter. Populations from the breeding grounds in the steppes seek refuge in our slightly less harsh climate. Across Britain as a whole, the wintering population is about 70% males and 30% females, a more imbalanced sex ratio than any other wintering duck, […]
Are you a webbie?
What would you call a bunch of enthusiasts who love ducks, geese and swans? We are paddling into the competition season with a search for a brilliant word. Comment on our Facebook page with your suggestion, like and share our post to friends and family and you could win a copy of the great new […]
African Black Duck
African Black Duck — Ian Gereg African Black Ducks from South Africa have blue-black bills, while those from the north of the species’ extensive range have pink bills. In Ethiopia they can be found breeding at up to 14,000ft. There are two subspecies recognised: A. s. leucostigma – isolated populations in west equatorial Africa, south-east […]
Mallard
British Waterfowl Association Mallard duck preening — Zoe Brodie James Mallard drake – Ian Gereg There are two recognised subspecies of Mallard: A. p. platyrhynchos of the Palearctic and Nearctic; wintering birds reach Africa (Nile Valley), south-east Asia (Indus Valley to south-east China), Mexico and Cuba. A. p. conboschas of the Greenland coast Anas platyrhynchos […]
Members’ Adverts
Members of the BWA are invited to advertise any birds/equipment they have available for sale. There is no charge. You can submit your advert via the Member Area. • Bird flu • Before considering moving birds or equipment, do check whether they are in a restricted zone where this may not be permitted. These […]
