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