On Jan 16 I was at Thomas Point Park and believed I saw 3 Blue Wing Teal flying there.  At that time, I thought I had a confirmation from a birding friend.  At that time, I didn't know how unlikely it would be to see 3 Blue Wing Teal in this area at this time of year.  

Since that time, I've been talking with my birding friend, with a few other birders, and have reviewed all my books and various photos of birds in flight.  I've come to the conclusion that they MIGHT have been Blue Wing Teal, but I cannot go any further than "possible".  My friend confirmed based on underwings alone - he thought they looked like the book - but didn't see the rest of the birds.  

Although I was in the high 90s of conviction in the field, what bothers me most now is that the field marks I was most clear on was the facial mark and the underwings.  The facial mark is distinctive - but still could be confused with the markings on scaup, maybe .... though I was pretty sure on that!  The underwings were the clincher for me, based on the drawings by Sibley.  However, I have heard a few times since that telling scaup vs. teal via underwing marks in flight is really not that easy.  Since drawings can enhance field marks, I looked at photos and am seeing how this is not a "clincher" field mark. 

What bothers me most is that, in flight, I did NOT note any blue on the wings.  I was looking at the face, so I may have missed it.  But, from the photos I've looked at, I think it would have been really hard to not notice such an obvious mark, even trying to concentrate on the facial mark and even with only a few beats before they turned.  That bothers me.  I have not seen BWT in flight yet.  On the water, yes, certainly.  Even picked out a fabulouse decoy BWT at the same place the same day - but I had not yet seen one in flight and just didn't realize that the blue should be eye-catching. 

Given that this could be a fairly important sighting, I can't stick with it unless I'm 100% - and I'm not. I'm going to give it up for now, and call it a "possible" sighting - but if anyone sees a BWT in the area, please let me know! 

Thanks to the birding friends who talked to me about these birds.... always appreciate learning! 

Joanne