Although becoming quite rare in southeast Europe and southern Spain, Ruddy Shelduck is still common across much of its Asian range. It may be this population which gives rise to vagrants as far west as Iceland and Great Britain. However, since the European population is declining it is likely that most occurrences in western Europe in recent decades are escapes or feral birds.

There have been around twelve Ruddy Shelduck reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;

On April 18th off Aust Warth from Aust Ferry Pier a male was watched by several observers on the mud flats below Aust Ferry Pier on various occasions from April 18th - 25th and again on June 2nd along the river bank at Severn Beach. It was usually in company with Common Shelduck, compared with which it looked slightly larger, and more goose-like both in carriage and flight. When not feeding, much of its time was spent in calling (a loud honking note) or in persistent attacks on its companions. While the possibility of it being a genuinely wild visitor cannot be entirely ruled out, it must be regarded as a highly probable escapee from confinement. This occurrence constitutes the first record of this species for S. Gloucestershire.

1997: (2)

On November 25th two females present at Northwick Warth and would remain until April 5th 1998.

2003: (3)

On September 19th a female was seen twice in flight at Northwick Warth in the morning and on Grebe Pond on September 20th, it was present in the area until September 27th; Two were seen on December 10th at Severn Beach.

Ruddy Shelduck on Northwick Warth. September 2003. © Paul Bowerman.

2004: (c. 5)

Ruddy Shelduck at New Passage. June 2004. © Paul Bowerman.