Help please with my ID

[Plainsailing]

Hi
I took this shot today and unsure what it is.
Could it be a mallard....

[astafjevs]

Looks like a domesticated mallard to me Paul!

[Little Sparrow]

A mucky Duck?

[MIKE THROWER]

Alesburgh duck

[astafjevs]

It's not a proper Aylesbury Mike. Its got a mucky head and the bill is yellow not pink.

Most white farmyard mallards aren't proper Aylesbury's, apparently.

It's still a mallard underneath, though.

[PeterB]

Originally Posted by MIKE THROWER

Alesburgh duck

Alesburgh - really Mike!

I think the "modern" Aylesbury can have the Yellow beak?, not sure, there are places locally (Aylesbury is a few miles from me) who make a fuss about the difference between a pure Aylesbury and a Pekin, but there may be some crossing.

There is a local restaurant, the Kings Head at Ivinghoe, who used to famously serve proper Aylesbury duck (and very good it is). But the line is now so poorly kept it is merely referred to as roast duck as I think they got some hassle over the name. At 90 quid for two it's still very good. Next time I go I will find out it's heritage.

Anyway, this fellah looks like he has several different ancestral issues.

[astafjevs]

Originally Posted by PeterB

There is a local restaurant, the Kings Head at Ivinghoe,

I was devastated to learn, upon finishing the Ridgeway path at Ivinghoe Beacon a couple of years ago and in desperate need of a beer, that the Kings Head in Ivinghoe is a fancy restaurant and not a pub like its name suggests.

I was even more annoyed to discover there's a perfectly good pub behind it, hidden from view from the main road, which I missed and had to wait for my evening meal in Cheddington before I got my beer.

[PeterB]

Yes, it's misleading. I wonder how many walkers do that, it's a popular village for walkers and the Rose & Crown is hidden down a back lane.

George would not appreciate muddy boots in his bar and the muddy booters would not appreciate his prices!!

[astafjevs]

Originally Posted by PeterB

Yes, it's misleading. I wonder how many walkers do that, it's a popular village for walkers and the Rose & Crown is hidden down a back lane.

George would not appreciate muddy boots in his bar and the muddy booters would not appreciate his prices!!

No, you're probably right. I remember looking at the menu by the door!

We're conscientious walkers though, we carry clean shoes with us!

I found the Old Swan in Cheddington to be completely to my taste (and saw bats while walking to it across the fields)

Is Ivinghoe where you are then, Peter?

[PeterB]

Just a couple of miles away, I live in Mentmore, next one up from Cheddington.