Watch-out for Water Birds at Chandos Park

Egyptian Geese are handsome, slightly dramatic-looking “geese” seen in the park, by the ponds and brook. Surprisingly they are not really geese. They are actually more closely related to ducks (specifically shelducks), but “Egyptian duck” just doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it?

They were considered special in Ancient Egypt, where they showed up in tomb paintings and temple art. They were even linked to the earth god Geb. Unlike many geese, Egyptian geese don’t migrate. Once they find a good spot with water, open grass, and a few safe nesting places, they tend to stick around all year.

They’re also known for being bold. Egyptian geese are protective of their space and won’t hesitate to chase off other birds — even ones bigger than themselves. Instead of building nests on the ground, they’ll use tree cavities, rooftops, or even old nests left behind by other large birds. When the fluffy chicks hatch, they sometimes have to make a brave little leap down to the ground. Don’t worry — they’re built for it and usually bounce back just fine.

You might also notice their striking “eye patches” — those dark brown markings around their eyes look almost like eyeliner. It gives them a slightly theatrical expression that’s hard to miss.

And if you hear loud honking, it’s probably the female — she’s much more vocal than the male, who tends to sound raspier and quieter by comparison.

We’re fortunate to have a nesting pair of Mallards who can sometimes be seen quietly by the brook. They are a shy pair and prefer to keep to the edges, so if you do spot them, watching calmly from a distance helps them feel safe and settled in their chosen home.

Mallards are found all across Britain. Many stay here all year round, but in autumn and winter we’re joined by birds arriving from northern and eastern Europe, escaping colder weather. That’s why numbers can seem higher in the colder months.

The male (drake) is easy to spot with his glossy green head, yellow bill and neat white neck ring. The female is beautifully mottled brown, perfect camouflage while she’s nesting. The classic loud “quack” usually comes from her — the male’s call is much softer and raspier.

In spring, the female builds her nest on the ground, often hidden in long grass, under shrubs or sometimes surprisingly far from the water. She lines it with soft down feathers to keep the eggs warm. Once the ducklings hatch, they leave the nest within a day and follow their mother to water. Mallard chicks are quick learners. They feed themselves almost straight away on tiny insects and plants, but they rely on their mother for warmth and protection. She will guard them fiercely from crows, gulls and other threats. Within a couple of months, the ducklings grow their flight feathers and become independent.

White egrets are elegant, long-legged wading birds that are occasionally seen in local parks, particularly near ponds, lakes or slow-moving streams. In the UK, the species most commonly observed are the Little Egret and increasingly the Great Egret, both of which have expanded their range in recent decades.

Egrets feed mainly on small fish, amphibians, insects and crustaceans. They hunt patiently, standing still in shallow water before striking quickly with their sharp bills. In parks, they may also forage along grassy banks for worms and small invertebrates.

During the breeding season, egrets develop delicate ornamental plumes on their backs, which play a role in courtship displays. Males typically choose a nesting site and perform displays to attract a mate, stretching their necks and raising their plumes. Once paired, both parents help build the nest.

Egrets usually nest in colonies, often high in trees near water, sometimes alongside herons or cormorants. The nest is a simple platform of sticks. The female lays several eggs, and both parents share incubation duties. After hatching, the chicks are fed regurgitated fish and are carefully guarded until they are strong enough to fledge.

Migration patterns vary. Some egrets in Britain remain year-round, particularly in milder southern areas, while others may disperse or move southwards in winter. Their increasing presence in local parks reflects broader changes in climate and habitat, allowing these striking white birds to become a more familiar sight than they once were.