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Ducks are a familiar sight in our waters and contribute to the character of the British landscape.
Brits will have many fond memories of going down to their local park as children to feed the ducks. The simple but pleasant past-time continues to be a popular one, and may even have instilled in us a lifelong fondness for the birds.
The UK public might be delighted to know that the Royal Mail has announced a ‘quacking’ set of stamps that will be issued very soon to celebrate the diverse range of wild and domesticated ducks found in the UK.
The charming stamp images showcase ten duck species and breeds found throughout the UK including the Goosander, Indian Runner, and Mallard Duckling. Some of those names you might not even have heard before.
Royal Mail worked with Steve Ormerod, Professor of Ecology, Water Research Institute/Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, and waterfowl author, Dr Chris Ashton, on the stamp issue.
“The UK’s wild ducks are among most elegant of all our birds,” Mr Ormerod said. “Their diversity of life histories, behaviours and calls evokes the character of habitats ranging from local ponds to rivers and coasts.
“Ducks have also played a central role in the human history of animal domestication, for food, pest control or as protected ‘rare breeds’. This spectrum… is celebrated in this beautiful collection of Royal Mail stamps.”
There are more than 120 species of duck worldwide, with 22 found in the UK. These include diving, dabbling, and perching ducks, closely linked with a range of habitats, from wetlands to coastal estuaries.
Some species are resident year-round, while others migrate to and from northern breeding grounds, making the UK an important wintering site for several internationally significant populations.
Interestingly, male ducks are typically more colourful and patterned than females, whose more muted plumage helps them stay hidden while nesting.
The mallard, the world’s most common duck, is common in the UK and is the ancestor of most domesticated duck breeds. Ducks have been bred for many purposes, from food production to pest control and ornamental display.
“We are pleased to showcase the beauty and variety of wild and domesticated duck species found across the UK, celebrating our rich wetland wildlife,” Mr Gold said.
“Most of us will recognise some of the ducks on these stamps but we hope that the set will help to raise awareness of the less well-known species.”
The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order from today, September 4, and go on general sale from September 11.
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It comes just months after a riverside village just under an hour from Glasgow welcomed families for a weekend of festivities in the return of its ever-popular Duck Festival.
New Lanark, the World Heritage Site nestled just 50 minutes from the city, played host to the kooky event on May 24 and 25, with one of the highlights of the weekend being the main duck races.
Participants cheered on their chosen rubber duck as it floated down the mill lade and exciting prizes were dished out to the first, second and third place winners, cementing Scots’ love for the endearing feathered animals.
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