-----Original Message----- From: Kevin McLaughlin Sent: January 12, 2004 2:57 PM To: '[email protected]' Subject: Unusual suspected hybrid duck in Burlington Jan 11/04
While taking part in the annual waterfowl count yesterday ( Sun Jan 11 ) Bill Lamond,George Naylor and I stopped at Sioux Lookout Park in Burlington to count the large number of mixed waterfowl present. Looking through the many Common Goldeneye which were about 300 metres from shore, I was astonished to find a bird that I first took for some species of alcid due to its small size,pale facial area,and black and white plumage.The bird was in close proximity to the goldeneyes and was diving constantly. All of us eventually got on this strange looking bird and engaged in a discussion as to what it was.The most likely scenario wound up being a male hybrid between Common Goldeneye and Bufflehead. The duck was slightly but obviously smaller than the male Common Goldeneyes.The crown,nape, chin and throat were black and the eye appeared dark also.Much of the side of the head was whitish with no goldeneye facial spot present.The bill was smaller than that of the CG's,black in colour, and seemed quite narrow.The head shape seemed rounder than a CG with a flatter crown and the head was notably smaller also.The back was black and the scapulars were broadly white,lacking the black "slashes" shown by male CGs.The chest,flanks and underparts were gleaming white.The bird never flapped its wings nor flew during the observation.When diving it seemed to leap enirely clear of the water before submerging. I hope others are able to see this fascinating bird and that "digiscoped" photos can be obtained.In a literature search last night,I was able to find little of substance in the way of hybridization involving these two species. Sioux Lookout is located roughly half way between Guelph and Walker's Line on Lakeshore Road in Burlington.Access from the QEW is possible from either of these two streets. Kevin McLaughlin Hamilton. Kevin McLaughlin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
