Over the years various folk have suggested to me that such a "faint greenish
cast behind the eye" was proof of mixed linage in a male Widgeon (American X
Eurasian). Then two years ago my beloved gave me Madge & Burn's
"Waterfowl - An identification guide to the ducks, geese and swans of the
world" for Christmas. Their description of the adult male Eurasian Widgeon
in breeding plumage includes the sentence, "Usually a small green patch
behind the eye." Further evidence can be had from viewing the photographic
color plate # 108 in "National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American
Birds - Eastern Region". That green patch is clearly visible, just as Phil
describes it.

Dennis Rockwell Kennewick, WA dennis.rockwell at gte.net

The worst government is the most moral. One composed of cynics is
often very tolerant and human.
But when fanatics are on top there is no limit to oppression.

H.L. Mencken (1880-1956)
-----Original Message-----
From: Tami Froelich & Philip Bartley <bfufam at gte.net>
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Date: Sunday, December 09, 2001 9:23 PM
Subject: Easy Benton County Eurasian Widgeon


>For an easy male Eurasian Widgeon in Benton County, go into Columbia Park,
>there is a little feeding pond/river just up river of the Edison Street
>exit. The male is in with numerous American Widgeon. This is at least the
>third year the bird has been here.
>
>A curious note, the bird shows no hint of being a hybrid but does have a
>very faint greenish cast behind the eye when viewed at certain angles. The
>cast has no defined pattern.
>
>Phil Bartley
>Kennewick WA
>bfufam at gte.net
>
>