ML147580311

Observation details

Photos attached. This unusual-looking duck was in the NW pond, on its own but not far from a loose group of American Wigeon, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler and a few Bufflehead. I have had suggested that it could be the purple-headed Gadwall variant due to mask pattern, but the clear neck ring, as well as the not-Gadwallish head shape, make me think it is a hybrid. The back end looks rather Pintailish with the white patch between flanks and undertail coverts. Compared with photos of the hybrid in the Macaulay library - I think it is a good candidate.