Not been seen since but garganey have turned up (although just 2 female pintail & 3 redshank amongst the usual suspects today)

It looks like the Baikal Teal finally left Greylake late this afternoon.
Instead of flying when flushed, joining the other ducks before settling, he took off alone and flew with purpose in an easterly direction.
I managed a photo as it left, here;
https://twitter.com/CarlBovisNature/status/1503428647729913861/photo/1

What a magnificent looking bird. Well worth seeing in the early morning sun. A first for me and well worth the wait.

https://twitter.com/robinmmorrison/status/1502666521801367552?s=20&t=OJNtjdiMNPt1NLo77Cn8xw

The Baikal Teal was showing very well from the open hide on the left hand side about 09.30. Then it flew over to the main hide and was over on the left hand side of the channel. It was flushed by a Marsh Harrier and landed in the middle of the main channel giving an amazing view in the sunlight..

Thanks.

It was there this morning. Birdguides is best place to check for rarities like this (although you have to pay to see exactly where they were, if you don’t know)

Is the baikal teal still there does anyone know?
Thanks.

It has weathered the storm (as has the Kentish plover, although still not easy to catch up with)

Baikal Teal still present this afternoon and doing its utmost not to be seen!

Looks like no-one saw the teal today. A few is us were looking hard from 2 til 4 and presumably others were earlier. Loads of ducks out of view though so I see no reason to think it’s not still there. Last blank day was 12th.

The Baikal Teal showed well though distantly at Greylake this morning when I was there between about 9 and 10, viewable from both hides, a very smart bird. The crowds seem to have thinned out considerably too. Seems to show better in the mornings.

When we were at RSPB Greylake about 10 days ago there was a group of 4 photographers in the main hide all NOT wearing face masks. A notice on the hide asks that
” In line with Government recommendations , we ask that all visitors , unless exempt , please wear a face covering in our indoor spaces”.

I would have liked to see the Baikal Teal but will not be going on a Sunday if the hides are going to be “cosy” in expectation of the notice being ignored.

Oops, looks like Andy already mentioned this in the Avalon thread - still, better to read it twice than miss it 😊

Hi all,

I am sure some on here will know about this but, for those that don’t, there is currently a drake Baikal Teal at Greylake RSPB. 

it was photographed at end of December and again last weekend. Despite being looked for there was no sign all week, then Andy re-found it yesterday morning (8th Jan). It is still present today. It can show well with teal in front of the hides but yesterday was typically mostly more distant on the back scrape.

There have been around 10 records in the UK and, if accepted, this will be the first for Somerset. If you are planning a visit expect the car park to be full and the hides to be cosy!

Thanks
Matt