Shelducks are seen occasionally flying over the local cliff and I think that usually they are simply moving from one estuary to the next.

However on a few occasions, a pair such as those pictured here are to be found sunning themselves on the soil cliff.

The first three pictures are of the male, identifiable by the red 'knob' at the base of the bill.

This last photo is of the female. All pictures will enlarge slightly and this one will show what she is looking at. Interesting, since my book says that Shelducks will sometimes nest in disused rabbit holes..

Whereas the plumage of some birds has a clear purpose such as camouflage, to me the Shelduck looks as if it started out plain white - and then someone painted squadron markings on it.

Photographs - May 2006

Next bird