A very rare species indeed.......

Ornithologists and bird-watchers the length and breadth of the country have been in a flap this week at the news that one of Ireland's, some say Europe's, rarest vagrants has been spotted on the shores of Lough Gill. The Dromahair Duck (Anas Ardvarneyus) was photographed this week by local twitchers.

Easily recognisable by its bright yellow plumage, common to both the male and the female, and its large size (it is the world's biggest duck) the Dromahair Duck has been recorded in this area during the months of May and June over the past 4 years. Numbers however are not known, and it is feared that the specimen photographed this week may be one of the last of the species.

In previous years our intrepid local bird-watchers have attempted to ring one of these rare birds, but without success. Their numbers appear to be ex-directory. While we know little of the Duck's nesting habits, its feeding habits seem highly unusual. Seeming to prefer liquid feed to solids, The Duck is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and has been photographed outside several of the pubs of Dromahair.

What really sets the Dromahair Duck apart from others of the sub-genus Anatinae is its total inability to swim. Nature has however compensated wonderfully for this cruel trick of evolution by seeing that the Duck is able skillfully to pilot a boat.

 

As the male and the female of the species are rarely seen together, little is known of the Dromahair Duck's breeding habits. No nesting sites have been discovered in the immediate area. No-one to date has reported seeing eggs being laid, or indeed hatched, although large numbers of plastic ducklings appear in the village of Dromahair around the end of June each year.  Unlike the adults, these youngsters are excellent swimmers and can be seen racing on the river Bonet during festival weekends.

 

Unable to fly, due to a complete lack of wings (the result of a particularly nasty scrap with the Ballintogher Budgie), this most exotic of creatures still likes to winter in warmer climes and has been spotted as far south as Knock, boarding a flight for Lanzarote.

Although the Dromahair Duck is not thought to present a danger to humans, there have been reports of aggressive behaviour outside Stanfords (usually around closing time). Nonetheless, and with scant regard for personal safety, your Editor will endeavour to get "up close and personal" with this creature on your behalf. Report to follow......