Texbirds:
The American Black Duck was present at White Rock Lake Park in Dallas yesterday
morning at about 11 am. The female was with a pair of Mallards near the point
west of a Sunset Bay, along the shore. Great looks! Thanks to Maggie and Jane
for the assist.
I'm not an expert on Black Duck, having seen only a couple in the east however,
the plumage including speculum, dark chocolate color and neck streaking all
look good for the bird. I also noted that she behaved like a wild bird,
usually staying further from us than the wild Mallards present. The only thing
that bugs me a little is the 'splotchiness' of the bill. While the olive color
is right for female Black Duck, I thought it should be plain olive without the
dark patches more common to female Mallard. Is this bill pattern within
acceptable range for female American Black Duck?
Checklist and photos here:
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S35174328
Thanks and good birding!
Bob Friedrichs
Palacios
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