Two years ago, we here at Blackwater Valley set about repairing a nesting box for our local Shelduck community, an amber status bird native to the UK. Recently, we have discovered confirmation that the box has been used by the birds to nest although we do not know if they successfully raised any chicks.
Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
Shelducks are typically found in coastal areas however they have been known to venture towards inland waters such as Moor Green Lakes. They can typically be seen year round in the UK although your best chance to spot one is in the winter. However, they do burrow underground on islands to nest so bring binoculars.
The Common Shelduck is listed under the RSPB as an amber alert bird and so it is of great value to our sites. Whilst the Shelduck population has been falling since the mid-1990s, long term trends suggest a probable rapid increase. Good news for the Shelduck!
Keep an eye out for these colorful creatures, hopefully, we’ll be seeing more of them.
Acting Ranger Jenny
