Freckled Duck – Bermagui, Far South Coast of NSW

I was walking along the front of “Moorhen Cove” just north of Bermagui today and had short, close, clear looks at a Freckled Duck. I’m unclear how to sex this species outside of the male in breeding plumage, which this was not.

I presumably surprised the bird and it quickly disappeared in the reeds. I went home for my scope and camera and walked around the far side of the water to try and get another look but without luck. I can count on one hand the number of times that I’ve seen Freckled Duck anywhere and I’m not particular familiar with their habits. Are they normally particularly shy?

I checked with our local area expert and she reported that Freckled Ducks aren’t known from this area. I read in Pizzey that they’re irruptive. Have people been seeing them elsewhere around the coasts of NSW or Victoria this season? ===============================

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