The Wildlife of
Druridge Pools

 
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Ducks, Grebes and Coots - The Smew

First seen on Friday 2nd January 2026 at Druridge Pools

The Smew is a very small, but spectacular duck. They tend to visit the north-east in the winter months. Male and female are quite different. The male (on the right) is white with black marking making it look a bit like it's been broken, and glued back together. The female is more conventional brown/grey, but with a striking reddy-brown head - giving them the nickname "Redhead Smew".