Oh, where were were you when I needed you!

On Jan. 1, we were birding at the bridge where the Samish River enters the
bay (DeLorme, p. 109, D-5, T35N). We saw a diving duck with a very white
bushy crown and back of nape, with darkish face and dark body; when diving
there were elongated central tail feathers from above. Base of bill pinkish.
Size approx. of Hooded Merganser. White lines down back. Up only for short
periods, dives with a jump start. I've never seen an Oldsquaw with such a
bushy head and nape,even in the east. No sound, and I've never seen one all
by itself-usually in flocks. Hybrid? Help!

Murray Hansen
MurrayH at aol.com