ML569558161

Observation details

Jay Packer's initial reaction was well-appreciated when I spotted the Garganey standing on the south levee margin of the southmost wastewater pond. a very handsome and unmistakeable species. similar in size to Blue-winged Teal, and larger than Green-winged Teal, both of which were standing nearby. striking pattern of rich chocolate-brown head with wide snow-white stripe above the eye that extended behind the eye and down the back of the face--Byron Stone's "swoosh" mark. sharply-demarcated rich brown chest contrasting with gleaming silvery-white sides and distinctive narrow black and silver scapulars sweeping downward over the flanks. we had <10 minutes with the bird before the deluge arrived.