Hello Tweets,

My mother and I observed the male FALCATED DUCK again today, but at the base
of Samish Island in a large partially flooded field associating itself
amongst a fairly large flock of Am.Wigeon and approximately 25+ Eurasian
Wigeons, as the bird was seen much closer and in more detail than yesterday.
The bird was observed around 9am by Keith Brady, and was immediately found
upon our arrival at 10:55am and remained until 11:15am until it and the
large Am.Wigeon flock were flushed by a nearby gunshot. A total of at least
8 birders observed the bird until it was flushed, then it could not be
relocated upon our further stay until 2pm. The large wigeon flock seemed
very nervous after the brief disturbance, as they occasionally flew to and
from nearby Padilla Bay just over the dike, but the flock did come back to
graze shortly one time at 12pm, but the Falcated Duck was not present. Many
others observers were present after the initial sighting today, as maybe the
bird would have returned after we left the scene. The bird was seen closest
to the road by Keith after he intially located the bird after his arrival,
but then the bird moved further out in the field, but still great views were
noted.

We personally got much more detailed looks at the bird today as mentioned,
as the bird seemed obviously large and stockier than the nearby wigeon and
also seemed more aggressive as far as behavior often moving around and
occasionally "nipping" at the smaller wigeon, but was mostly observed
strutting around the flooded fields grazing on the short grass in a manner
of showing itself off. The bird would move it's head in a way of swinging
the hind tuft feathers as it waddled amongst the wigeon,showing the very
large,angle-shaped green head with a dark rust color at the top extending
back onto the maned crest, which appeared dark at distance or when not seen
at the right angle. The distinctive silver-gray body and darker gray
finely-scaled breast were also well observed, which was very distinctive in
good light, but not seen by all. The large black and white
sickle-shaped,"falcated" tertial feathers were most apparent, as they draped
over both sides of the tail. The cream colored undertail coverts were noted
completely bordered by black,behind a large white patch. The underthroat
were clearly white bordered below by a thin black line then a broader strip
of white. This duck is clearly exotic looking in a class all by itself(away
from Wood Duck and Harlequin Duck)and definetely worth all the effort of
seeing it,even if some or most attempts may prove unsuccessful. A special
thank you to Marissa Benavente for posting Steve Pink's sighting today
rather than posting it onto the Birdbox for those who do not call the
Birdbox or live outside of King County.

Sincerely,

Ruth and Patrick Sullivan
GODWIT at worldnet.att.net