Birdwatch: among oft-ignored ducks, pintail is the epitome of elegance

Striking 'dabbling ducks' can be seen on the lagoon, if you can tear your eyes away from the more exotic birds Asleep, head tucked beneath his wing, the duck flicked one eye open from time to time, checking the skies for danger. When that came, in the shape of a low-flying peregrine, he and the rest of the flock hardly reacted. Perhaps they knew the falcon was not in hunting mode - or maybe they are so used to raptors nowadays they simply no longer bother to respond.Moments later, he awoke, revealing his full splendour. A drake pintail (Anas acuta), the epitome of elegance, showing off his chocolate-brown head, clotted-cream belly, dove-grey flanks and the long, pointed tail that gives the bird its name. Continue reading...