StevieEvans
Well-known member
Found 4 of these birds today on North Tees Marshes.
They were not the closest birds on the pool, but i was confident of the first bird's ID as soon as i saw it.
I assumed that this was a female, with 3 full grown young.
(the initial bird, as well as having the obvious head patterning, was far paler & body/head markings stood out more. It was alert & looking around, obviously watching out for the other 3 which were constantly dabbling. Another 2 small ducks were close by, but were not clearly seen)
While watching this adult bird it began preening & i got a good view of a bright pale grey forewing as it slowly stretched.......................
I showed the birds to other birders, who agreed on the Species.
It wasn't till i got home to check up in my field guide, that i realised RATHER OBVIOUSLY NOW ! that its only the Male Garganey which has this coloured forewing !
(i KNOW the 3 WERE young birds, but ONLY in the sense that you know ,for example, youre looking at a young Mallard when its alongside its parent)
Q. Basically what im trying to understand for myself... is...... "WHY are what i've seen, what they are...? "
Q. Do Male Garg. share in any parental duties ?
Q. Anyone else Know what i mean ?
I WAS going to end this Ramble by saying i think i need to learn some bird body bits, AND take my fieldguide with me next time. !
BUT...! on Second thoughts i think i'll go for the logical soloution and stick a digi-cam on the end of the scope......then ASK YOU LOT.......! :t:
Stevie (sunburned on Nape, Mantle & Scapulars)
They were not the closest birds on the pool, but i was confident of the first bird's ID as soon as i saw it.
I assumed that this was a female, with 3 full grown young.
(the initial bird, as well as having the obvious head patterning, was far paler & body/head markings stood out more. It was alert & looking around, obviously watching out for the other 3 which were constantly dabbling. Another 2 small ducks were close by, but were not clearly seen)
While watching this adult bird it began preening & i got a good view of a bright pale grey forewing as it slowly stretched.......................
I showed the birds to other birders, who agreed on the Species.
It wasn't till i got home to check up in my field guide, that i realised RATHER OBVIOUSLY NOW ! that its only the Male Garganey which has this coloured forewing !
(i KNOW the 3 WERE young birds, but ONLY in the sense that you know ,for example, youre looking at a young Mallard when its alongside its parent)
Q. Basically what im trying to understand for myself... is...... "WHY are what i've seen, what they are...? "
Q. Do Male Garg. share in any parental duties ?
Q. Anyone else Know what i mean ?
I WAS going to end this Ramble by saying i think i need to learn some bird body bits, AND take my fieldguide with me next time. !
BUT...! on Second thoughts i think i'll go for the logical soloution and stick a digi-cam on the end of the scope......then ASK YOU LOT.......! :t:
Stevie (sunburned on Nape, Mantle & Scapulars)
I've seen three together quite regularly on Dormans Pool at the moment, though they are flitting about between the other ponds.
