Hooded Merganser Radipole
I am in favour of ticking the Radipole bird.Having been discovered in an exhausted state does give it some credence as having made a lengthy sea crossing.A bird just having made a short flight from the Wimborne area(one reported there in January)is highly unlikely to be in poor condition.Arriving as a 1st Winter drake and unringed does tend to favour the wild bird theory.Sceptics have commented on the birds tameness. I think our American friends can verify that in North America, Hoodies are quite approachable.During its time at Radipole, wanderlust did set it in.It flew the several miles down to Abbottsbury on a couple of occasions.Maybe this was its migration instinct kicking in in its small way? Whatever conclusion is made on this birds status,I can say its one of the highlights of my year, a real stunner. Regards all, Mike
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Regards
Johnny Allan
www.diporglory.co.uk
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- Johnny Allan
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I do not know whether the River Stour bird was a 1st. w male.I based my comments on the assumption that a Hoodie flying the short distance to Ferrybridge was hardly unlikely to turn up exhausted.Regards, Mike
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Kind regards
Johnny Allan
www.diporglory.co.uk
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- Johnny Allan
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I took it as fact that Bill Oddie was relaying the correct history of this bird on "Autumnwatch".It is a bit disconcerting that the Radipole staff are giving conflicting information.One would have expected an experienced birder like Bill to have the full history before broadcasting on national TV.I think it's a case of waiting to see what the "ten rare men" have to say after reviewing the record.Regards, Mike
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- Johnny Allan
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Mark Lawlor wrote: I guess that if it is to be acceptable then it needs to show a bit of migratory urge. Even if it winters in the area, so long as it doesn't stay into next summer then it may be ok - but already its a long stay for a duck in one place I'd have thought. Most long-staying ducks seem to at least wander round a bit.
I hope it is acceptable for those who've seen it cos it looks pretty awesome on the photos. And anyway, since it's on cat A, in the true BUBO Listing spirit - "Can I tick it? Yes you can!" - your list, your choice.
The American Black Duck has stayed put in Scotland for years now. If it's true, that the Dorset Hooded Merganser was found as a 1st summer, exhausted and in a drain, unringed. Why has nobody formally submitted it? Surely it has a case for consideration if the Black Duck has been accepted already?
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I thought the Radipole Hooded Merganser was submitted, BBRC's decision was 'Not Proven' but also stated "make your own mind up".
Basically, they admitted there was no way of them knowing either way. So they said "Not Proven" (rejected it).
Its still on my list as I feel it should be given the benefit of doubt, but I have seen an accepted one since.
Interesting that at least a couple of birds are currently being reported. I think it is fair to say that at one point, it was deemed unlikely they could make it here.
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