Is this a smew? (1 Viewer)

[Dave Smith]

I would be very grateful for confirmation (or otherwise) of the ID of this redhead smew seen at Chigborough Lakes Essex Wildlife Trust NR today. I feel sure it is, but would like to be sure. Its the first one I have found when alone.

TIA

Dave

 

[Tim Hall]

Yes !

 

[Dave Smith]

Yes !

Thanks Tim

 

[Keith Reeder]

The other two redheads you're likely to encounter - goosander and red-breasted merganser - are larger and less rounded in structure, with noticeably longer beaks.

 

[Rob Smallwood]

I agree too - perhaps an immature male rather than a female - but I'm not sure?

 

[Xenospiza]

I agree too - perhaps an immature male rather than a female - but I'm not sure?

Yeah it looks like at the back of the head there's quite a lot of white, but adult females can look like this too. The dark mask at least excludes an immature female…

 

[tom24]

Have a look at www.ayrshire-birding.org.uk, under articles,look at ..that redhead's no lady.