Shetland Ring- Necked Duck

 A male Ring- Necked Duck has been present on Tingwall loch since 26 October 2021. I have been several times and it has always been with a group of Tufted duck over the far side of the lock

I then went over on Tuesday afternoon, but the weather was bad, very dark and frequent rain showers but the Ring- Necked duck came quite close.

I too a lot of photos at a massive ISO20000 but at this setting came out very noisy, it was more or less dark as well being 3.50pm

Today i went again in better weather, although it was a strong wind and snow showers. The bird again drifted out towards the other side of the loch before slowly making it way to the middle of the loch. At least the light was a lot better

Ring Necked Ducks are all the way from North America.

Although they look like a Tufted duck at a distance they are easily identified as having a grey flank and a white wedge near the shoulder, its grey beak has a black tip and a white band. 

They always seem to associate with other diving duck such as Scaup, Tufted and even Scoter

Shetland Ring Necked Duck

 Had a run up to Tingwall Loch and although it was dull and bad light i managed to see the following.

Two Ringed Necked ducks had been present for a few months but despite a few trips i had not seen either. On this trip i found a group of Tufted well over the far side of the loch and i was pleased to find that one Ringed Neck Duck was part of the flock.. Pity light and distance was not better

Also a Common Scoter came out of the reedbed at the north end and went to the south. A Long Tailed Duck and Eider were also near the boat shed.

Mallard (12) Grey Heron (3) and a number of gull also found at the north end which were joined by 4 Dunlin and 2 Curlew