wimvdam
Well-known member
Does anyone have experience with wintering Garganeys that behave much more tame than one would typically expect from this species? I'm thinking about hanging out in city ponds, being attracted by kids feeding ducks, that kind of stuff. Are there cases of genuine wild Garganeys that, for one reason or the other, lost their usual shyness?
Here's the background to this question. A few days ago a hatch-year Garganey showed up in a park in Orcutt, California. In many aspects this bird looks good for being a genuine vagrant: it's the right season, it's a first year bird, and its feathers and hind toes are intact. Its tameness, however, has raised questions about its provenance. I'm trying to figure out if it is possible to have a wild, young, lost bird with this behavior.
Thanks.
Wim van Dam
US-CA Solvang
Here's the background to this question. A few days ago a hatch-year Garganey showed up in a park in Orcutt, California. In many aspects this bird looks good for being a genuine vagrant: it's the right season, it's a first year bird, and its feathers and hind toes are intact. Its tameness, however, has raised questions about its provenance. I'm trying to figure out if it is possible to have a wild, young, lost bird with this behavior.
Thanks.
Wim van Dam
US-CA Solvang