White-winged Duck

White-winged Duck

Asarcornis scutulata
Way Kambas National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia - 22 april 2019
How can a duck be so badly desired? Well, for a start it is taxonomically unique and is the only member of its genus. Although quite widespread, it is everywhere rare and even if you are at the very best spot, water levels and other conditions must be right. It is also very shy and sensitive to disturbance. If someone step on that dry branch and makes it crack, the bird may be gone before you get there. This time we were lucky. The bird flew over the dense forest and was tape-lured to come back and perch in that tree.