(pteronetta hartlaubii)
The Hartlaub's Duck was one of my 'most wanted' birds of the Gabon trip as I had failed to see it on a couple of previous opportunities. It is Africa's only true forest duck and is generally accepted as the most difficult African duck to find. Its range is restricted to West and Central Africa and within these areas it is found in forested streams lakes and ponds, similar in its habits to the elusive Finfoot.
Our first view was of a pair flying off in the dark as we were spot-lighting for owls on the Mpivie River, hardly a satisfactory lifer tick. Fortunately we connected with the species again the next day at the Akaka inlet where four birds were feeding in a swampy lagoon just off the main channel. Our best views however were the next day when we found five birds in the Mpivie River - the views were great though the photographs are mediocre.