In winter and spring, male pochards are very distinctive. They have a bright reddish-brown head, a black breast and tail and a pale grey body. Females are more easily confused with other species; they are brown with a greyish body and pale cheeks. However, during the 'eclipse' – when ducks grow new feathers – the males look very similar to the females. They become more camouflaged so that they don't draw the attention of predators.

Date: 08/06/2014

Location: Radipole Lake

Photographer: Andy Kench