Many thanks to those that responded (Bill, Ian, Regina, Hal and Dennis) to a
potential hybrid Shoveler at Ridgefield. They all pointed out that this was
just a late molting male and that they can be very variable at this time of
year. The fact that all the other males were in full breeding plumage and
the white neck ring made me think potential hybrid, but I can now see how he
was just beginning to molt into his large white belly patch.

Rod

From: "Rod Gilbert" <rodgilbert1 AT comcast.net>
Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:46:07 -0800

There was an interesting looking Shoveler hanging out in Bower Slough,
Ridgefield NWR yesterday afternoon (just past the 90 degree right turn, and
in the slough on the LHS). His eye was a very dark orange, and his head was
very black/dark green, it's not a light issue in the pics.


Shoveler pics are at:

http://www.pbase.com/rodg/inbox

Rod Gilbert
Olympia