Jeff and others,
Presumably this same drake common teal has been present at the Fairview
Wetlands for the last three winters. I work across the street and first
noticed him early in spring 2014. Since I hadn't been looking closely at the
waterfowl there until April it is possible he was present all winter long.
Last winter he was first observed in mid November and continued into April.
This winter I did not see him until early December. During both winters that
I've paid attention he has been very regular at the wetlands except during
freeze events.
Additionally, an apparent intergrade between an American green-wing and Common
teal wintered at the site last winter and that bird also appears to be present
again this winter. He shows both a thin vertical white bar and a reduced
horizontal white stripe. On Monday both birds were displaying courtship
behavior towards a hen along with several regular greenwing drakes. However, I
have never observed the common teal to be part of an apparent pair, even in
late April just prior to migration.
Cheers
Brandon Reishus
