Michael Kennedy wrote:

>I'm new to this list and am wondering if anyone has any thoughts or
>comments about the Falcated Teal near Tofino. Has it been "declared" a
>"wild and free" bird by any checklist committees, or is it reguarded as
>an escapee as suggested in the National Geographic and other field guides?

Being new to the list, Michael would have mised my earlier postings on this
bird, which follow:

>Those who have seen it may wish to post a note to me (or to all
>Tweeters) with observations and thoughts about the "wildness", or true
>vagrancy, of this bird. It has been accepted as a vagrant by the BC Field
>Ornithologists Records Committee, but new information that challenges or
>supports that decision would be welcomed.

and:

>This bird has appeared at Tofino for each of the last 3 winters, usually in
>the company of Gadwalls, it's closest relative. There is no indication that
>it is not a wild vagrant, and so far no one has suggested that it is an
>escapee. It apparently migrates with the Gadwalls to some unknown breeding
>ground, and returns with them. No one has reported evidence of
>hybridization, but look for some strange Gadwalls anyway.

>The bird remained to about the 2nd week of March last year, and to the 1st
>week of April in 1994.

To this date, still no one who has seen the bird has forwarded to me any
information that challenges its wildness. In fact, a number have
indicated their impressions as to why they think it is indeed a wild
vagrant. (I admit, though, that perhaps that simply reflects the
competitive nature of some birders. The most recent viewer, who travelled
from deep in the US, said to me with a smile, "For the last 3 years I
figured it was an escapee, but now I don't!").

Opinions are still welcomed, but at this point it is a countable individual
according to the BC Records Committee; and, since the species already
appears on the ABA Checklist AND the BC committee has accepted this
individual, I have confirmed with the ABA that it is countable by ABA
standards.

It was last reported to me on March 19, and could still be there - off the
foot of Sharp Road (turn east at the Dolphin Motel), about 4 km south of
Tofino.

Bryan Gates, Victoria bgates at assessment.env.gov.bc.ca