New exhibit opening: 3rd new species
On Friday, WWT Martin Mere will be officially opening our new Weird or Wonderful? development. As part of this development we have 4 new species coming to Martin Mere and everyday this week we will feature one of the new species before the launch on Friday.
Today’s new species: White-backed duck
The white-backed duck will be in the walk-in aviary with the avocets, grey-crowned crane and white faced whistling ducks.
This duck is small and despite its name has brown feathers with orange and red colouring. The white back is only visible when their wings are outstretched. These brown feathers are amazing because they create a perfect cloaking device against water and vegetation. In swamps and marshes this duck almost disappears.
Look closely at this picture - often you will see them resting on the water with both of their feet up in the air as they glide along to regulate their temperature - which certainly is a weird and wonderful feature. These will prove to be great new birds.
