There is an odd duck on Beverly Lake this morning. It looks sort of like a
Mallard, and is hanging out with the Mallards, but it's about half again as
big as any of the others. It has an almost black head with a white spot on the
back, then the black extends down the back of the neck; mottled white breast;
orange, mallard-like bill. Sorry I'm not better with these descriptions, but
any idea what this might be? Just a weird Mallard cross-breed, or what?

Also have a couple of Common Mergansers this morning, about a half-dozen
buffleheads, and the usual 40 or so each of Mallards and Coots. The
buffleheads have been very active this morning, flying around the lake.

Hooded Mergansers have not been in evidence for a week or so now, although
there were four that hung around for several days around New Year's

By the way the Red-wing blackbirds have been here, singing loudly, since New
Year's day!