Re: ID of Adelphi Pond Duck
J L Saba (saba@ARI.Net)
Sat, 30 Jan 1999 20:01:11 -0500
I saw that duck on the winter count. It looks like a mallard (except for
color), and quacks like a mallard (walks like one too). It even has the
curly tail feather seen on male mallards. Eyes, legs, feet and bill are
black. Entire body appeard to have the same irridescent color as a
mallard's head, brightest on head and neck, not as bright on the
undersides, which appeared dead black when not shining. Wings were
irridescent blue/purple (I have trouble distinguishing these colors) in
part. No light colors seen anywhere, although I didn't see all of the
underside. It appeared to be mated to the one white duck on the pond. I
had assumed it was some weird mallard color morph. Its shape showed (to
me) no hint of any other species.
Jack Saba
JD & Barbara wrote:
>
> Hi MDOsprey,
> Family went to the Duck Pond in Adelphi West of Md U.
> Saw an irridescent green duck w/ black bill, mallard size.
> Anyone ever see it? Is it a domesticated duck? Yesterday saw
> 60+ Canada Goose and several M/F Mallards. At Hyattsville
> Library went through all the birding books available with no luck.
> Any ideas?
>
> Barbara
> Riverdale MD