Date: 12/2/25 2:23 am From: Toby Burke via groups.io <kenaibirder...> Subject: [AKBirding] Kenai Flats: COMMON POCHARD
There is a COMMON POCHARD hen frequenting the lower Kenai River. It spends nearly all its time among the resident Mallard flocks, foraging (dabbling) and roosting with them along river banks and on exposed intertidal mudflats. We have NOT seen it far out in deeper water foraging (diving) among other divers. It is a difficult bird to observe because of low light winter conditions or the unfavorable glare of the south sun when it is infrequently out. It's also hard to get close to the bird as the waterfowl of the Kenai Flats are subjected to considerable Fall and early Winter hunting pressure and thus are intolerant of humans being easily spooked. And being smaller and dull it often remains hidden in dense Mallard flocks. Because it is not a bright, conspicuous male you really have to work to find the bird as it blends in very well. That said, we have found the bird five times over the three days that we have looked for it. We first saw the bird on Nov 14 yet did not resight it again until Nov 28. But now that we know its habits it has been easier, yet not easy to refind. So if you make a trip to look for the bird expect a challenge.
There are six eBird checklists with observation details within.
Good Birding, Toby and Laura Burke Kalifornsky, AK
