If one searches eBird for BBWD in June and July since 2005, you'll see that there is a routine pattern of vagrancy to the central Atlantic area. BBWD populations are exploding down south and are gradually moving north and east. Some guesstimate that they might even eventually nest in our area, or at least within a one or two state radius. 

There are more and more BBWDs being reported in Maryland. So far, all of them have been on the western shore of the Chesapeake with a slew of them from Jug Bay or the upper Patuxent River. See the link below for an eBird map of all of the locations:

http://tinyurl.com/26qn4r4
 
Of course, the question of origin always pops up. Close scrutiny of the hind toe of these birds might indicate a truly wild origin though wear on the toe has been noted in wild birds due to their tree-dwelling nature.
 
If you aren't using eBird, you should!

Tyler Bell

California, Maryland 





________________________________
From: Steve Hersey <>
To: 
Sent: Sun, July 4, 2010 7:20:36 PM
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Black-bellied Whistling Ducks - Strange?

Seems awfully strange that there would be five of these ducks in that pond in the middle of the summer (or at any time of the year for that matter).  Any thoughts as to wild or escapees or planted in the pond by a transplanted retiree from the deep south?  Juvies that dispersed and are going on a tour of the mid-Atlantic?

Cheers,
Steve Hersey
Washington, DC