With the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions on travel, as with so many places around the world, REGUA tourism levels have collapsed.

Rainforest Trust, who have helped to raise funds for us over the years,  came to our aid and helped us  support Adilei, REGUA’s bird guide until guests can return.

With this hiatus in his usual work Adilei has been able to do many regular walks around the reserve as well as maintaining the trails.   On a recent survey of the wetlands,  Adilei spotted a female Masked Duck in the middle of one of the wetland lakes.   He played the call and to his surprise the bird flew toward him and landed a few metres away.   The bird called with a series of short high-pitched calls in a falling crescendo.

Masked Duck is associated with wetlands which have rafts of water plants on the surface.   They use these plants as camouflage and hide out of sight.   As it is small duck and sits rather low in the water it can be very hard to find.   Adilei’s photograph actually shows the bird in relatively clear water, maybe it was reassured by the call and Adilei’s calm, quiet enjoyment.

REGUA’s wetlands have always had this species and many guests have seen it here, however as the wetlands have matured and with the growth of the planted trees, and increased weed growth, sightings have reduced and they have become increasingly hard to see.

A male was seen last year and with this latest sighting, hopefully we will be able to see more of them in the future.