Pochard x Tufted Duck hybrid

Given the huge celebratory response and frankly cult following my previous hybrid posts have attracted, I thought I would delve into my (considerable) archive over the festive period.

Giving BTS listeners exactly what they want, generally spreading festive cheer and annoying Jonny Holliday, which is probably one of my favourite hobbies.

Anyway, as you can see, this bird is a drake Tufted Duck x duck Pochard hybrid and frankly stunning. At distance it could easily cause excitement. Fools Lesser Scaup?

Anyway, I saw it at Lackford Lakes in January 2016 whilst counting Pochard as part of a national count organised by the WWT. Initially it was distant and then drifted nearer allowing good views and these seminal photographs.

In a way it was just reward for such scientific, wildfowl, elite based output...