A visit to Greylake to look for the Baikal Teal
WEATHER: very dull, overcast, drizzling rain - atypical British Summer's Day
For the third winter running a rare species of Teal has turned up at Greylake and for two of those years I have had very poor views of this stunning male specimen. Today I was hoping to get a much better view but I didn't hold out too much hope becuase of the weather. The Baikal Teal breeds in Eastern Russia and usually winters in eastern Asia.
Guy Campbell picked me up at lunchtime and we drove 25 miles to Greylake, the weather grew worse as we approached the levels, the walk to the hide was cold and drizzling rain gave us a coating of dampness. From the Tree-top hide we scanned the marshes, unfortunately there was thousands of Eurasian Teal out there too, however a couple of birders had already seen the bird and pointed us in the right direction.
After a short while we had horrendous views of the Teal, we could just about see its yellow stripe on one side of its head, it was fast asleep. Fifteen minutes later the bird lifted its head and gave us a brief glimpse of its wonderful colours. Another 20 minutes passed by before the bird woke up from its slumber and gave us a full view but we only had a very briefly look. All of a sudden the whole Teal flock took to the air and disappeared into the marsh much further away! A Marsh Harrier drifted passed, it looked well pleased that it had ruined our afternoon!
In the meantime a Merlin landed on top of a pollarded Willow Tree and remained there for a short while.
the Merlin on top of the pollarded Willow Tree
Another 30 minutes went by, the Teal flock was slowly returning and we eventually picked up the Baikal Teal once again. This time the bird was actively feeding and showing itself quite well albeit at quite a distance.
this is a very poor record shot of the Baikal Teal
We enjoyed the bird for a while before it settled down and went to sleep once again. That was out cue to leave, it was only 2:30pm but the light was getting quite bad. A Cetti's Warbler flashed across the pathway behind us as we prepared to leave.
this is the same bird taken by Guy last February, I still haven't had a reasonable view of this bird!! Humbug!!
Other birds seen included: at least 3 Marsh Harriers, Lots of Wigeon, Mallards, Gadwall and a few Shoveler. Grey Heron and Little Egrets and apparently we missed a group of Common Cranes as they flew over the reserve.
We got back home at 3:30pm and celebrated our success with a warm Mince Pie, Creme Fraiche and a hot drink.