The teal is our smallest duck and a most difficult mark: a trip of teal coming into foreshore decoys provides an easy enough shot for the first barrel, but their reaction to the shot is remarkable. The “Springing Teal” stand, so common at clay shoots, is a tribute to their extraordinary ability to stand on their tails and rocket skywards.
Inland, it’s often shot on flightponds, announcing its presence with a repeated <em>peep-peep</em>. The next thing many Guns hear is a plop as the teal alights on the water.
In poor light, it’s often possible to hear wildfowl before seeing them. Experienced Shots use hearing protection that does not muffle ordinary sound.
