Due to the shape and coloration of the beak, I would say this is a Mallard x Widgeon hybrid.

Jeff Kozma

Yakima
----- Original Message -----
From: Nigel Ball
To: Tweeters at u.washington.edu
Sent: Sunday, April 19, 2009 4:11 PM
Subject: [Tweeters] Brewer's type Duck at Fort Flagler, Jefferson County, WA


Hi,
Today there was what I can only suppose is a Brewer's type Duck near the lighthouse at Fort Flagler.
I hope that the following link works...
http://surfbirds.com/albums/showphoto.php?photo=7971&cat=500

My understanding is that Brewer's are Mallard X Gadwall hybrids. This one was very pale apart from the head, and the rustiness went from breast to crown. Is there anyone in tweeterland who can properly identify this? The size was as big as a Mallard. Also, since it's the first I believe I have seen, does anyone know how common they are in Wa state?

Incidentally, it was as wary as the other ducks (hence the long distance for the photo).

Cheers,
Nigel
--
Nigel Ball
nigelj.ball at gmail.com
Bainbridge Island
206 715 8030



------------------------------------------------------------------------------


_______________________________________________
Tweeters mailing list
Tweeters at u.washington.edu
http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters