Common Pochard Ensnared in Fishing Line
On Friday 25 January 2013, we traveled to Kalar Kahar Lake
that is located in the Salt Range of Punjab Province. We had hoped to see plenty of
wintering wildfowl and we were not disappointed. Most were COMMON POCHARD and
EURASIAN TEAL and there were several hundred of each out on this shallow and
brackish body of water. There were also healthy numbers of NORTHERN PINTAIL, GADWALL and a few RUDDY SHELDUCK. The lake is surrounded by tall and dense reedbeds and
above these hunted many MARSH HARRIER. There were three species of Gulls present. The larger PALLAS'S GULL, an adult CASPIAN GULL and about 300 BLACK-HEADED GULL. I think Sams Phography's shot of two PALLAS'S flying in formation is exquisite.
Pallas's Gull Sams Photography |
We decided to hire a flat-bottomed boat to see if we could
get closer to the birds. It was a comical exercise, as we got into the boat and
not at all elegant. However, inelegance was a small price to pay to avoid a
dunking. With the early morning sunlight at our backs the colours of the birds’
plumage was enhanced.
Male Common Pochard trapped by discarded fishing line Sams Photography |
The wildfowl were clearly nervous and are probably hunted;
even though the area is supposedly a wildlife reserve. As we rowed closer to
get within photographic range the flotilla of ducks kept a suitable distance.
Except one, a male COMMON POCHARD. We realised it must have been in trouble and
as soon as we saw the reeds move as it tried to escape we realised what the
problem was; it was ensnared in discarded nylon fishing line.
Male Common Pochard ensnared in discarded fishing line Sams Photography |
Fortunately, my companion had a Leatherman with him that
included a sharp knife, so we managed to cut the line either side of the
Pochard that appeared to know we were trying to help as it allowed me to lift
it from the water and place in the boat without struggling. There were yards of
line entwined around the legs and feet of the unfortunate bird. Clearly, it had
been there for some time as the line had cut into one of its legs. By carefully
cutting the line away we were able to free the bird but it took 30 minutes to
do so. After we released the Pochard it immediately dived and surfaced about
100 feet away before it paddled off. It will take a while to fully recover but we think it will survive. Discarded fishing line is such a menace to all birds and the Pochard was fortunate not to have been impaled on a hook.
Purple Heron Sams Photography |
We had more great views of WESTERN MARSH HARRIER as they
quartered the reedbeds. By using the boat we also got close to the many PURPLE
HERON and their bigger cousins the GREY HERON.
Purple Swamphen (also known as Purple Gallinule) Sams Photography |
Probably, the major surprise was the large number of PURPLE
GALLINULE that were in and around the reeds; the sunlight enhancing their beautiful
colouration. I am pleased to announce that Islbirder managed three new birds
for his Pakistan List. The ticks were the six FERRUGINOUS DUCK and the nine
RED-CRESTED POCHARD; they are uncommon and rare visitors, respectively to
Pakistan waters during winter. The other Pakistan Tick was discovered on a reed-covered
island on the lake. Two small warblers were feeding around the base of the
reeds and we were able to identify them both as MOUSTACHED WARBLER.
Female Common Kingfisher Sams Photography |
Back on dry land we were privileged to watch a COMMON
KINGFISHER on the boat dock and a line-up of CATTLE EGRET.
Eastern Cattle Egret Sams Photography |
We dipped on COMMON PEAFOWL after we had staked out their traditional site. However, evenings are the best time to see them. My sincere thanks to Sams Photography for taking such great shots from a particularly unstable craft hand-holding and substantial lens. This was a most impressive example of highly skilled lensmanship.