ML647756586

Observation details

Continuing male, often fairly close with main Pochard flock east of the causeway. Some really good views, but could be unbelievably elusive when foraging in the melee; often only resurfacing for long enough to take a couple of gulps of air between dives. Clearly larger and with a 'taller' head and neck than Pochard, when side-on looking very big-headed with an oversized long and narrow all-dark bill and ski-slope profile. Gular bulge occasionally on show, particularly when swimming fast and low along water when parts of the flock took flight; seen well briefly while flying, when looked very rangey. Face, forehead and forecrown much darker than on Pochard, although other chestnut areas of the head duller and less bright rufous than Pochard. Grey areas paler and looked less vermiculated, almost with a whitish-yellow cast at times. I