At a distance the Gadwall appears
rather plain, though with a characteristic black rear end. Close up however, the
plumage shows beautiful patterns and subtle changes of colour
and tone. It is relatively common in Britain with a patchy
distribution across Europe.
The small white
'lump of sugar' speculum is most visiblein adult males, as
shown here. Thornton Reservoir, Leicestershire, UK
Ref:
Gadwall1
The
bright yellow legs are quite a contrast to its relatively
subdued colour. Watermead Country Park, Leicestershire, UK
