Date: 4/15/26 9:37 pm From: Chris Ortega via groups.io <chrisorte9a...> Subject: Re: [centralvalleybirds] Garganeys reported in Merced County
I didn't hear anything new about this, but decided to go give it a try
myself anyway late this morning. I did find there was a decent amount of
suitable marshy habitat with several waterfowl species including a group of
Blue-winged Teals. This was in a canal that crosses Gun Club Rd
at 37.231401, -120.958033. There seemed to be lots more habitat in the area
east of there, but most of it appeared to be private property. Despite not
finding the Garganeys, I enjoyed hearing the kerplunking bitterns and
screeching pheasants as well as happening upon my only second
Black-throated Gray Warbler so far this spring.
Cheers,
Chris Ortega
Bay Point
On Wed, Apr 15, 2026 at 8:28 AM Chris Ortega via groups.io <chrisorte9a=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I don't know the reporter, but I'm intrigued by a great photo uploaded of
> a male Garganey reported on Gun Club Rd in Gustine from Monday morning. The
> report claims there are actually 2 of them, so perhaps a female was with
> him? I wish there were more details or some acknowledgement of what a great
> find this is so I had fewer reasons to doubt it, but if anyone in the area
> would checks it out, please give let us know how it goes!
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S321828361 >
> The pin for this location isn't actually on Gun Club Rd, itself, but that
> road does appear to run alongside a marsh a couple of miles east of where
> the pin is, so it's possible that could be closer to the true location.
>
> Good birding,
>
> Chris Ortega
> Bay Point
>
>
>
