Garganey

Anas querquedula
Praslacha shamhraidh 

Status All Ireland: Irregular breeder
Population estimate all Ireland: 0-2 pairs
Trend (12 years): Perhaps increase
Trend (40 years): Perhaps increase

Survey Timing: May to July

Habitat: Lakes and pools with good cover.

Occurrence: In last ten years bred at RSPB Portmore Lough (near Lough Neagh), but most breeding records have come from south Wexford. Individuals, still on migration may be found in many wetland areas, where, however breeding is very rare.

Habitat preference (simple description of preferred nesting habitat): Likes plenty of cover and can use rather small pools provided the surrounding environment is densely marshy/swampy.

Preferred ways to establish breeding status: Search for adult female escorting young on water.

J. Paul Hillis