Dabchicks flee as soon as we approach. Flight is perhaps the wrong word, as they never try to get airborne; instead they propel themselves along the surface of the water in a whir of wing beats and skittering feet until they feel safe enough to dive and find underwater shelter in the bank side weeds. Once there they hide until they can be certain of your passing – preferably at least thirty yards away. You can rarely see them as you glance back towards their hiding place. Aquatic hide and no seek.