A pair of Garganey (Anas querquedula) have made a return to Saltholme and have been spotted in front of the Wildlife watchpoint as well as from the Phil Stead hide.
Garganey are similar in size to teal, being one of our smallest ducks and are our only summer visiting duck. They spend their winters in central Africa but at about this time of year they start arriving at their breeding grounds.
They are usually very elusive; they like shallow pools with lots of vegetation which they can disappear into.
They are scarce breeders in the UK with between 14 and 93 pairs breeding annually. At Saltholme two pairs bred last year, with a brood of ten being seen from the Wildlife watchpoint - a very rare sight indeed.
The male in particular is an exquisite duck and is in itself a very good reason to head over to Saltholme, probably one of the best places in the country to see Garganey.