Sunday 23 January 2011

White Nun (Mergellus albellus).

Every winter one of the smallest sawbills, the Smew (Mergellus albellus) migrates southwards from its northern boreal breeding grounds in Finland, Sweden and Russia. Small numbers can usually be found at regular overwintering sites from December until March throughout the southern counties of the UK. 

The drake is predominantly white with black markings giving an appearance of 'cracked ice'.

The females are also known as ' Redheads'  for obvious reasons.
As this species is, in my experience, always very shy and restless, these  images were taken during a visit to the wildfowl collection at Barnes WWT.     FAB.

Click here to link to WORLD BIRD WEDNESDAY
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36 comments:

  1. grammie g23 January 2011 at 23:51

    Hi Frank...my goodness what beauties ..the male looks like a rippled vanilla ice cream!!
    Wonderful photo's!!

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  2. Carol Mattingly24 January 2011 at 01:21

    Absolutely gorgeous. I love the drake and the female. They are stunningly beautiful. Hope you're staying warm over there Frank. Carol

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  3. Wilma24 January 2011 at 02:29

    Very smart-looking birds!

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  4. Montanagirl24 January 2011 at 04:59

    I love the "cracked Ice" markings of the Drakes! Interesting birds, and very nice photos.

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  5. holdingmoments24 January 2011 at 06:35

    Always a beauty, no matter where taken Frank.
    I've only seen the female this winter though.

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  6. Anonymous24 January 2011 at 06:55

    These are stunning little creatures. Wonderful images!

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  7. ShySongbird24 January 2011 at 12:50

    They are beautiful birds, the male is so striking!

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  8. KaHolly24 January 2011 at 13:54

    Oh-my-goodness, what a beautiful duck!! Wish we had them here!! And, as usual, you've taken some fabulous pictures!! ~karen

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  9. Jen Sanford24 January 2011 at 16:09

    Now that is a stunning bird! Love the "cracked ice" comparison... So true.

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  10. Midmarsh John24 January 2011 at 16:57

    Brilliant shots of a lovely bird. Showing my age here Frank but for some reason it brought to mind the old song, 'Two Lovely Black Eyes'.

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  11. Unknown24 January 2011 at 18:07

    Love the Smew images very satisfying.

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  12. FAB24 January 2011 at 20:24

    Hi Grammie. Almost good enough to eat ... lol.

    Hi Carol. Yes, the male stands out in a crowd. Trying to stay dry more than warm at the moment.

    Yes they are Wilma.

    Thanks Mona.

    Hi Keith. I read that the females often migrate further south than the males ... probably want peace and quiet!

    Thanks very much Steve.

    Hi Jan. The male is definitely a star winter sighting.

    Hi Karen. Thanks. I'm sure you have many other delights to keep you enthralled.

    Hi Jen. Yes, excellent camouflage when everthing is frozen.

    Cheers John. Now that is a golden oldie ... by Charles Coburn in 1886 if my research is correct.

    Thanks Anthony.

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  13. elvira pajarola25 January 2011 at 07:25

    So very fascinating, this wonderful Smew...I certainly did never see one before...! Such an exclusiveblack and white pattern; just gorgeous and the female with its red head a real beauty!!

    You took fantastic shots of them,Frank, magnificient!!!!

    ciao ciao elvira

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  14. Kathie Brown25 January 2011 at 17:24

    Wow, what a beautiful species. I have never seen one. You got some gorgeous photos. The male is stunning and what a redhead! I love the pattern on the male.

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  15. FAB25 January 2011 at 18:05

    Thank you Elvira. It was a fun session to capture this species with its unique colouring and patterns.

    Hi Kathie. Delighted to show you something new for a change.

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  16. Kyle25 January 2011 at 18:43

    Wow, that drake is really a beaut! I hate to say, I'd not even heard of Smews before seeing your post. You got some fantastic images of them both, though.

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  17. theconstantwalker25 January 2011 at 20:48

    The Smew is a lovely bird to see. Many thanks for sharing.

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  18. Sondra25 January 2011 at 21:38

    What a breath taking bird!! Ive never seen one of these in captivity or in the wilds so Im very happy to see this Post!! Stunning photos!

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  19. mick25 January 2011 at 21:48

    Beautiful markings on those birds. I like the description of "cracked ice"!

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  20. Springman25 January 2011 at 23:02

    It's not unusual for me to see a new bird on the blogs but your "cracked ice" Smew is really something special. Thank you for sharing your beautiful images!

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  21. FAB25 January 2011 at 23:17

    Thanks Kyle. Delighted to oblige with something new for you.

    theconstantwalker. Cheers Andrew.

    Thanks Dixxe. I agree the male is definitely a stunner.

    Hi mick. Glad you liked the description.

    Cheers Springman. I don't get to see very many so any sighting of the 'White Nun' is always special.

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  22. Unknown25 January 2011 at 23:26

    Just an outstanding looking bird!! Great photos. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  23. Modesto Viegas25 January 2011 at 23:33

    Very good photos of a nice bird!
    Regards,

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  24. FAB25 January 2011 at 23:50

    Thanks very much Gary.

    Thanks Modesto. Nice to hear from you.

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  25. Becky26 January 2011 at 00:31

    What a gorgeous duck, and awesome pictures.
    B.

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  26. Sally in WA26 January 2011 at 04:53

    These are wonderful with their very unique markings. The male reminded me more of a panda on the water.

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  27. Neil26 January 2011 at 09:08

    Beautiful birds love the male.

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  28. Roy26 January 2011 at 10:57

    These are fantastic images Frank.

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  29. FAB26 January 2011 at 11:24

    Sally in WA. A Panda with two black eyes ... I see the similarity ..lol.

    Thanks Neil.

    Roy. I appreciate the compliment.

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  30. FAB26 January 2011 at 11:34

    Becky and Gary. Thanks for dropping by. Appreciate the visit.

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  31. Empty Nester26 January 2011 at 12:51

    Now those are beautiful photos! I've never seen that bird before--so pretty!

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  32. Robin Robinson26 January 2011 at 13:37

    These are just stunning and not a bird I am familiar with AT ALL which is new. Terrific images and a real treat for me! Thank you Frank

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  33. Hilke Breder26 January 2011 at 15:45

    Beautiful smews - have seen them only in zoos. Yours look like decorated pieces of porcelain. Nice pictures, Frank!

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  34. FAB26 January 2011 at 16:44

    EmptyNester. Glad you liked them.

    Hi Robin. Delighted to share a species that would definitely be a rarity in your part of the world.

    Hi Hilke. Decorated porcelain ... I like that analogy.

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  35. Vanessa30 January 2011 at 13:49

    Oh wow, thank you for posting this. What an extraordinary-looking bird. Now I have to take a trip to Europe.

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  36. FAB30 January 2011 at 19:32

    Hi Vanessa. A warm welcome the "Early Birder" blogroll. Just remember you'll have to visit in winter to see this very smart species in the wild. FAB.

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I hope you enjoyed your visit and I always appreciate your comments and feedback.

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