Dear Birding-Ausers
There has been no recent discussion on Birding-Aus of the possible Baer's
Pochard that was seen by Fred Smith at the Western Treatment Plant at
Werribee on the 3rd July 2004. There are also no recent reports, that I am
aware of, that the bird has been positively identified again.
Along with Mike Carter and Rohan Clarke, I was reviewing some of the
photographs that various people took of Pochard-like ducks in the week or
so after Fred's record. All the ones we saw previously were Hardheads.
I have now seen photos taken by Tom Fletcher and his friend (whose name I
have forgotten - sorry) on the 7th of July. These are definitely the bird
Fred saw and show a duck distinctly different from a Hardhead. Many of its
features are consistent with Baer's Pochard.
Briefly, the pictures show much more white on the flanks and belly than a
Hardhead and distinct differences in the brown colouration on the head and
back from the flanks and chest. The white on the belly has a distinct
horizontal cut-off from the brown on the chest and the white extends around
on the flanks very extensively. The poor light and distance to the bird
prevent capture of the green tinge on the head and there is only a faint
indication of the more rufous colouration on the cheat. With careful
observation, this bird will easily be separated from a normal Hardhead.
This bird is definitely worth following up to get better descriptions and
better pictures. I will be spending some time over the next few weekends
trying to refind it. However, if you intend to look for it, please
remember that the Western Treatment Plant has access by permit only. If
you see the bird, please take good records and try and let us know about
your sighting.
Regards
Chris
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