Thousands of ducks expected at Lackford Lakes in Suffolk, says Suffolk Wildlife Trust

During the winter months at Lackford Lakes nature reserve, visitors will see thousands of ducks on the lakes. They arrive during the autumn from northern Europe to spend the winter. At this time of year, ducks look their smartest so it is a great time to see them on the reserve.

Towards the end of winter, male ducks need to look smart to attract a mate for the forthcoming breeding season. This means the month of February is a great time to take a closer look at ducks on the nature reserve. Using binoculars (you can borrow some at the centre if you don’t have any) it is always worth taking a look at how smart ducks can be and how many different colours can be found in their plumage.

Tufted duck by Rick Harvey

Take a teal for example, this is our smallest duck but a close view of teal will reveal a smart looking bird with a brown head and a green stripe through its eye. These ducks also make a strange bell-like sound that echoes around the reserve.

Another duck that we only get in the winter, is the goldeneye. The males are black and white with a golden eye (hence its name). When flying around the reserve, this duck makes a whistling sound giving it its other name, the whistler. The male goldeneye also has a remarkable display to try to attract a female – where he throws his head onto its back in what looks like a rather painful move.

Teal duck by Mike Andrews

Visitors can find out all about the ducks that winter at Lackford by following our trail around the reserve throughout February. Children can also try our special winter ducks spotter sheet.

For details of these events and some of the wildlife that you can get close to at the moment at Lackford lakes, check out our website at suffolkwildlifetrust.org