Gardeners – 29th December 2013

An early start for the morning flight at Gardener’s with Richie. By the time we had faffed about at the Supermarket getting supplies and walked out to the marsh time was getting on, so we just squatted down in a couple of muddy holes.

It wasn’t long before a few Teal passed by, but they were either slightly out of range or were out of range by the time I had spotted them. After a quiet patch Richie called out suggesting he put a shot up, just as a group of about 5 flew past from behind him. Picked my bird and hit it with the first shot. It was dead in the air so I tried my luck (unsuccessfully) on another. Sent Harry quickly as I didn’t want another non picked bird like my first trip this year. He had soon retrieved it, but had a cheeky shake just as he got to me before delivery.

After it had got light we set-up the decoys, having to wait quite a while before a drake Pintail flew right over my decoys from right to left towards Richie. For some reason I just watched it go by, mesmerised by it’s long tail which really stood out; beautiful. Richie also had a good chance to get it, but missed! (and he’s been desparate to get a Pintail this season). He won’t get a much easier chance than that.