Gadwall photographed at Claire Mare [CLA] on 14/12/2022 Photo: © Rockdweller (visit site)

A species whose status has altered dramatically over the past decade is the Gadwall. As recently as 1987 Bisson described it as a vagrant with only five records to date. Not even recorded by Dobson the species has in recent years been annually recorded at sites such as La Claire Mare. A count of 50 on the 4th January 1997 remains the maximum record so far.

The first reports are usually in mid September with a distinct increase in November. Numbers have then continued to increase to January. The majority of birds have dispersed by mid March with a few late reports from April. La Claire Mare / Colin Best NR are the most important sites although birds have also been present at Rue des Bergers and the Vale Pond.

The status of the species in the UK is somewhat complex. The breeding stock originates from from escapes and releases in the mid 19th century. Ringing has shown this population to be largely sedentary. Since it is only a rare breeding species in Normandy the birds arriving in the island most likely originate from the Netherlands and central Europe.