Garganey at Eakring

O.K so it's been a long time! What with one thing and another I haven't had the time to update this blog but it's been nagging at the back of my mind for about nine months. Now I'm back and I'm full of good intentions...I just need the self-discipline. And some interesting stuff to post!
Anyway...yesterday I went to Eakring Flash in north Notts. to look for a reported Garganey.  Garganey is always a good bird to see, especially if it is to be a year tick as this one was. As it turned out this was a kind of a lifer as it was the first Gargeney that I have ever heard. It was a drake and as it approached a couple of unconcerned Mallard it uttered a weird crackling rattle. It was a bit like a metallic cog and ratchet or crackling ice. Not at all what you would expect from a duck!



Drake Garganey Anas querquedula Eakring Flash, Notts

Drake Garganey Anas querquedula Eakring Flash, Notts

 It was being a bit elusive, swimming into the reeds and staying out of sight for a while but you knew when it was about to re-emerge as it gave this distinctive rattle before swimming out into the open.




Drake Garganey Anas querquedula Eakring Flash, Notts

 From available records and sightings on the Notts Birdwatchers web site:                                 http://www.nottsbirders.net/
 this is probably the first confirmed Garganey in the county this year. Arrival dates in early to mid March being quite normal.