Sunday, February 16, 2020

Hurrah, hurrah for Radjah Radjah

What's in a name? More in some than others. Take above Radjah Shelduck (Tadorna radjah).  Also known as Burdekin Duck. Also now (Radjah radjah). Lovely, yes? One of several shelducks. But one on its own. No longer lumped in with Australian (T. tadornoides), Paradise (T. variegata), and others overseas. More on this here.

Burdekin Duck? Yes and no, and then again. Duck? Of a goosey sort. Burdekin? Not so common in the area as the name suggests. And on the colloquial menu, B. Duck meant sliced beef in batter. Shelduck? Above, probably Sheldrake, based on breastband thickness.

Can't be sure of above bird's gender. Almost certain, there'll be few chances of getting so close to another pair of Radjahs almost next door to me in Rowes Bay in any year to come. Rara avis!

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