20200301 (2)_Blue-winged_Teal
This first-summer drake has been in residence at Mansands, Devon, since last Autumn, arriving in nondescript first-winter plumage. It has now more or less completed its moult into breeding plumage and is resplendent with white face crescents against a purplish-blue background that in the exact right light, iridesces. Its flanks are patterned black/brown with intricate weavings and spots while on opening its wings at all the pale blue panel and green speculum show to advantage. This transatlantic vagrant is well worth a look and we enjoyed it to advantage in almost equally rare sunshine.
20200301 (2)_Blue-winged_Teal
This first-summer drake has been in residence at Mansands, Devon, since last Autumn, arriving in nondescript first-winter plumage. It has now more or less completed its moult into breeding plumage and is resplendent with white face crescents against a purplish-blue background that in the exact right light, iridesces. Its flanks are patterned black/brown with intricate weavings and spots while on opening its wings at all the pale blue panel and green speculum show to advantage. This transatlantic vagrant is well worth a look and we enjoyed it to advantage in almost equally rare sunshine.