About the British Waterfowl Association

The BWA is an association of enthusiasts interested in keeping, breeding and conserving all kinds of waterfowl – wildfowl, domestic ducks and geese. We are dedicated to education about waterfowl and their conservation, as well as to raising the standards of keeping and breeding ducks, geese and swans in captivity. Join us for a wide range of services and facilities to help you get more enjoyment from waterfowl. We welcome beginners through to experts.

info@waterfowl.org.uk  •  01531 671250  •  Registered charity 263156

Join us for:
Champion Waterfowl Exhibition   ·   Breeder of the Year Scheme
Waterfowl Magazines   ·   Local Contacts   ·   Representation
Open Days   ·   Workshops   ·   Help and Advice
Online Birds for Sale   ·   Breeder Directory
3 handsome Aylesbury ducks standing in a farm

A to F

Hooded Merganser darke swimming

G to L

Muscovy duck on a blue photographer's backdrop

M to Q

R to V

Three female West of England Geese on grass

W to Z

In the Blog...

32nd Champion Waterfowl Exhibition well up to scratch

32nd Champion Waterfowl Exhibition well...

Huge congratulations to Anthony Stanway, whose Crested Duck scooped the accolade of Supreme Show Champion. Planning is already underway for next year. First Sunday in November 2020: save the date…
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After the Lord Mayor’s Show…

After the Lord Mayor’s Show…

After the Lord Mayor's Show... Reserve Show Champion, Embden gander from John Richards waits patiently for his return. John, our past President was busy helping with the clear-up operation.
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Are you ready for colder weather?

Are you ready for colder...

Ice and snow present challenges to birds, particularly as many waterfowl are outside all year. Frostbite is a real danger to webbed feet, especially where there is no natural cover…
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Long-tailed Duck

Long-tailed Duck

A long-lived bird in the wild, the Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis spends most of its life at sea, often congregating in huge rafts. It is believed to be the species…
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Shiny is not just for Strictly

Shiny is not just for...

Most of our domestic breeds of duck are descended from the Mallard Anas platyrhynchos. This breed takes its name from Cayuga Lake (which is itself named after the native Cayuga…
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What was your Gateway Bird?

What was your Gateway Bird?

Was this your ‘gateway' bird'? The Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata is our bird of the month for September. Well any month really, for it has introduced many to the diverse…
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A popular calling

A popular calling

Just what is it that makes the Call duck so popular? These small, cobby, gobby and bright birds regularly make up the greatest proportion of exhibits at waterfowl shows. Weighing…
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Smoke and Mirrors

Smoke and Mirrors

The Speculum feathers, Latin for mirror, on a wing are an area of iridescence usually on the secondary Flight feathers. The Brazilian teal has a large area of lustrous green,…
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Bread or no bread?

Bread or no bread?

Debates rage about whether we should feed bread to waterfowl in public places. In times of hardship, bread is certainly better than starving, however there are better alternatives. Many people…
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Reflecting Well

Reflecting Well

Many of you have commented how nice it would be to have a good reference for more of the waterfowl we keep. We are working on a website upgrade and…
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Passing of a legend - farewell to Christopher Marler

Passing of a legend -...

We are sad to report that Patron and past President (twice), Christopher Marler passed away last week. This comes as a huge shock to his many friends in the waterfowl…
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Keep Cool and don't make a Carry-on

Keep Cool and don't make...

Parts of the country are having warmer weather and the Arctic species will appreciate a cooling stream of water. Things that give birds some entertainment are interesting to watch and…
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Latest News...

General Licences

Following public consultation, and on advice from Natural England, DEFRA have re-issued the General Licence WML-GL36. This permits the

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12th July 2019

Conservation

Promoting better knowledge of waterfowl habitat and the need for its protection. Recognising significant achievements and contributions by members and supporting all who share our interest.

Education

Providing learning material to schools and exhibitors about waterfowl and their place in farming systems. Extending the knowledge of keepers to enable the highest standards of welfare and husbandry.

Preservation

Promoting accurate exhibition standards of domestic waterfowl. Champion Waterfowl Exhibition and maintenance of a confidential database with Breed Registrars of British traditional breeds.