Thanks, Ian. With deference to your authority on the matter, I still would be surprised if this specimen wasn't a hybrid. This was more than a suggestion of a green stripe - it was a brilliant and distinct green stripe the size, shape and color of those on the American widgeon, but it was in the middle of a bright red head, all of which was fully lit in clear, gleaming sunshine. I mean this guy looked decked out for the holidays, there was so much red and green. Now if that can happen in a pure Eurasian widgeon, I guess I may have been duped. On the other hand, even if it was just an aberrant Eurasian, it was an unusual and beautiful bird, and if anyone is in the area, well, I would recommend him as worth a look. Unfortunately, I was caught without my camera today, but I will try to get some photos on Friday if possible. In the meantime, if anyone else sees this bird, I'd love your thoughts.


Inga Holmquist
P.O. Box 1141
Orting, WA 98360
ingawh at yahoo.com



----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Ian Paulsen <birdbooker at zipcon.net>
To: Inga Holmquist <ingawh at yahoo.com>
Cc: Tweeters <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 4:16:29 PM
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Eurasian x American Wigeon Hybrid at Point Defiance


HI:
NOT all Eurasian Wigeons with a green eyestripe are hybrids! Check the
flank color to see if it is a mixture of brown and gray, that would
indicate a hybrid.

--

Ian Paulsen
Bainbridge Island, WA, USA
A.K.A.: "Birdbooker"
"Rallidae all the way!"



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