[TN-Bird] Bahamian White-cheeked Pintail - Ensley

September 18, 2005
Ensley Bottoms
Shelby Co. TN
 
A brief run around the pits today showed that even more species of Wind  
Birds have taken the wind south in the light of the full moon. Only 8 species  
left and a single Buff-breasted was best of show.
 
There were 35 Mallards, 12 Shovelers and 9 Blue-winged Teal plus what  
appears to be an immature or hybrid White-cheeked Pintail. Right off the bat it 
 
would be considered a shoo in for an escape and rightly so BUT we've had 2  
hurricanes pass through their homeland within a month, spawning many wanderers, 
 
some almost expected and some FAR OUT! Even yesterday a Black Skimmer lingered  
here on the Mississippi River............
 
This bird is pretty neat showing no sign of wear, no jewelry and has both  
hind toes. They have wings and have been known to travel and 160 mph  winds can 
be a very big inducement to do so. Its facial pattern is a little  off and 
there is just a hint of red appearing at the base of the bill but I've  found 
photos showing birds with no red, so?
 
Anyway, Hybrid, Escapee or Wind Blown, it was a great bird to spend some  
time with and I've posted photos for you to peruse, TRY:
 
_http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/wcpintail_ 
(http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/wcpintail) 
 
 
Good  Birding!!!

Jeff R. Wilson
OL'COOT / TLBA
Bartlett,  TN

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