November 09, 2008

MANDARIN DUCK

Mandarin Duck: Resident Breeding Bird

As on most of the ponds in Epping Forest, the Mandarin Duck has become a resident and breeding bird in Knighton Wood, Woodford (pictured). Numbers fluctuate, but unless the pond is frozen over you are pretty much guarenteed to find them there outside breeding season when they are elusive, (and of course they breed in tree holes). They have also occasionally been seen elsewhere in the borough. There are also 3 pairs of pinioned birds at Valentines Park that are very tame, taking bread from the hand.


photo by Peter Warne, Feb 2009

Knighton Wood Stats:
  • 2010/2011 Winter - up to 14 seen
  • 2009/2010 Winter - up to 20 seen
  • 2008/2009 Winter - up to 15 seen

Other Sightings:

  • November 3rd 2010 - 1 male at Wanstead Park
  • April 25th 2010 - 1 male in Hainault Forest
  • April 6th 2010 - 1 male in Hatch Forest (river Ching)
  • March 17th, 2010 - 2 in Hatch Forest (river Ching) (1m, 1f)
  • 11th January 2010, 2 at Hainault Forest (1m, 1f)
  • 21st April 2009, 1 male at Hainault Forest CP
  • 29th October 2008, 1 female in Valentines Park
  • 22nd July 2007, 1 male at South Park
  • 15th April 2005, 1 male in Wanstead Park
  • 20th February 2005, 1 male in Valentines Park

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