I spotted this nice tropical duck in the St James's Park somewhere around Christmas. It is called Fulvous whistling duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) and is normally seen in Africa, South America or India and I guess it felt a bit cold in the chilly England winter.
To make sure it is not its cousin the Lesser whistling duck take note of the black strip on the back of its neck and the light creamy feather above the tail (the Lesser one has them in reddish chestnut colour)
Fulvous whistling duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) at St James's Park, England from the front
Fulvous whistling duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) at St James's Park, England frontal view
Fulvous whistling duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) at St James's Park, England. From the back, note black strip on the neck
Fulvous whistling duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) at St James's Park, England. From side, note light creamy feathers above tail.
Fulvous whistling duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) at St James's Park, England
Fulvous whistling duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) at St James's Park, England
Fulvous whistling duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) at St James's Park, England
Fulvous whistling duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) at St James's Park, England
Fulvous whistling duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) at St James's Park, England with a Coot for size comparasion
The Swiss army knife is one of the most important pieces of gear I carry with myself when I travel in the wild. However, while the main blade and the wood saw are vital I rarely need the rest of the tools and when I have to find replacement, for example after flying, I usually buy whatever pocket knife I can find as long as it has a wood saw.
