TBOSG     Long-tailed Duck - Clangula hyemalis

Long-tailed Duck is a medium-sized sea duck that used to be known in North America as 'Oldsquaw'. It caused offence to some Native American Indian tribes the term 'squaw' being derogatory for a prostitute in one particular language so the name Long-tailed Duck has now been officially adopted. Some historical names for Long-tailed Duck include; Long-tailed Hareld, Caloo, Coldie and Ice Duck.

Earliest: October 11th 1998 off Northwick Warth.

Latest: May 14th 1998 at Oldbury Power Station.

Highest Count: Four on November 2nd 1991 off New Passage.

There have been twenty Long-tailed Ducks reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;

2003: (1)

A male was identified on May 5th at Severn Beach late morning.

2001: (1)

A male was present at Oldbury Power Station in early January.

2000: (1)

On November 3rd a female was found at Oldbury Power Station and was present until December 3rd.

1999: (1)

A female was present Oldbury Power Station from January 1st until May 9th.

1998: (3)

On May 14th a summer male was seen in flight at Oldbury Power Station over Lagoon III; A female was found on October 11th off Northwick Warth; A female was located on December 30th at Oldbury Power Station and was present until May 9th 1999.

1992: (2)

Two were observed in flight heading north on April 18th at New Passage.

1991: (4)

Four were seen on November 2nd off New Passage, they were all female/ immature two of which were still present on November 3rd with one lingering until November 13th.

1987: (1)

On January 11th a female was seen in flight heading north-east off Severn Beach.

1983: (1)

A single bird was seen off Northwick Warth on October 26th.

1982: (2)

An immature male was seen at Oldbury Power Station and was present from October 16th until November 7th; A female was reported off Severn Beach on December 17th.

1981: (1)

A single bird was noted flying north off Northwick Warth on November 1st.

1980: (1)

One, a male, was reported on April 20th off Aust Warth.

1976: (1)

One, probably an immature male was seen off New Passage on October 31st. This occurrence constitutes the first report of this species for S. Gloucestershire.

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