Ducks

Ducks are a group of birds usually associated with park ponds however many of the duck species listed here won’t be spotted in your local park because they prefer the food available in estuaries, on beaches and in rivers. Some of the ducks seen during the winter months around our coast will have travelled thousands of miles to call our shore their home.

Goldeneye

A bit of a lone wolf, this rather handsome medium sized diving duck can be found along coastal areas of Essex during this winter.

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Pintail

One of the most elegant birds on our shores who is a visitor during the colder months. You’ll often spy them alongside other ducks dabbling for food at the water’s surface.

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Pochard

A plump diving duck, smaller than a mallard. You’ll often spy them paddling on the water before diving down to feed on waterweed, snails and other aquatic invertebrates.

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Shelduck

These dapper waterfowl are one of the larger ducks you’ll spy on the Essex coast. Keep your eyes peeled when on estuaries and mudflats as that’s where they prefer to feed.

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Teal

The smallest duck you’ll see on our shores, it takes its name from the vibrant and striking green marking on their wings.

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Wigeon

A prominent winter visitor, you’re always likely to hear their distinctive call or see their chestnut plumage as they dabble and forage for food on the water, riverbanks and grassy meadows.

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