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.


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