22/03/2015 Drake Garganey at Charleston Manor Reedbeds

Sunday 22nd March 2015
Charleston Manor, East Sussex

• Went to Charleston Manor Reedbeds to twitch the Garganey but the event was far from straightforward.  Not having spent enough time researching the latest sightings, I started looking in the wrong place - some 300 metres south of where the duck was last seen.  With the help of a local birding colleague I was put back on track. 

• Unfortunately the water levels had dropped significantly in the last couple of days, making the duck harder to find.  Patience paid off in the end however and the drake Garganey finally showed in the exact location that my colleague had predicted.  The view was stunning in the late afternoon light.  Less than a minute later the duck took flight and landed in a ditch some 25 metres further south - unfortunately out of sight again!  There was no sign of the female at all.

• There were a number of other interesting birds around (see species list below) but the overriding memory will be of the 2 Egyptian Geese with at least 4 goslings in tow!

Addition to BUBO UK 2015 Bird List
Garganey   (185)



Today's species list:
Egyptian Goose
Canada Goose
Snipe
Pintail
Black-headed Gull
Garganey
 Mute Swan
Teal
Wigeon
Coot
Shelduck
Gadwall
Mallard
Shoveler
Little Egret
Grey Heron
Buzzard
Coot
Ruff
Redshank
Woodpigeon
Green Woodpecker (heard)
Pied Wagtail
Meadow Pipit
Wren (heard)
Magpie
Jackdaw

(27)