A Watercock female landing in the fields
A waterbird and a member of the rail and Crake family, this is a large bird around 40-45 cms long and about half a kilo or more. They are quite large compared to the other waterbirds here, but they are so impossible to sight in the green fields where they reside. They are easily identified by the frontal red shield and calls.
The birds stick to the foot long grass in the countryside and hence very hard to spot - any sighting in our region is considered rare. I had sighted this bird many times, but just could manage a distant poor shot.
But y'day early morning, on an open riverside road surrounded by grass and fields, several males were calling out and flying from one side of the road to the other. This one is either a female or an immature male - both look very similar. My guess would be a female since the size is well developed and matching to that of 2 males that flew before it.
Thanks in advance for your views and feedback. Much appreciated.
A Watercock female landing in the fields
A waterbird and a member of the rail and Crake family, this is a large bird around 40-45 cms long and about half a kilo or more. They are quite large compared to the other waterbirds here, but they are so impossible to sight in the green fields where they reside. They are easily identified by the frontal red shield and calls.
The birds stick to the foot long grass in the countryside and hence very hard to spot - any sighting in our region is considered rare. I had sighted this bird many times, but just could manage a distant poor shot.
But y'day early morning, on an open riverside road surrounded by grass and fields, several males were calling out and flying from one side of the road to the other. This one is either a female or an immature male - both look very similar. My guess would be a female since the size is well developed and matching to that of 2 males that flew before it.
Thanks in advance for your views and feedback. Much appreciated.