Breeding waterbird alert…

As the records start to come in, a few include some nice breeding duck records. With hatching underway, it is a good time to get confirmation of breeding. IRBBP is especially interested in records of breeding Garganey, Shoveler and Pochard. You would be very lucky to come across breeding Wigeon, Pintail, Goldeneye or Scaup.

As for Common Scoter and Goosander – both species remain very localised – while Goosander seems to be holding its own, and has done for many years in a small number of locations, breeding scoter are in a very poor state, suffering from the effects of predation.

IRBBP welcomes records of other scarce breeding ducks, such as Gadwall and Teal. And please also keep an eye out for Greylags and Canada Geese.

And please remember – we would be grateful for any historical records you may have of these and other rare breeders.