ML617664602

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

5th individual reported as Northern Pintail. My explanation, and eBird volunteer follow: Me "Mallard sized duck with long neck and good posture. First thought was Black Duck due to bill lacking the orange of female mallard, but overall coloration too light. Originally reported as Green Wing Teal, despite doubts about the size. Returning home to guidebooks and Macauley library suggests female Northern Pintail based on body coloration, size, bill color, and long neck with head held high compared to typical mallard posture. Slowly paddling through the aquatic vegetation. Not previously reported at this location, approaching the end of the season for reports in this region. Photos". Ebird volunteer "I can see some reason for confusion here, but this duck appears to be a female Mallard. Note the distinct dark eyeline, dark rear crown extending down the center of the hind neck, broad buff chevrons along the flanks, bulky body especially to the rear, extensive white on the tail and grayish bill with a hint of orange at the base, which are inconsistent with a Northern Pintail." FWIW, the bill with 'hint of orange' is what convinced me the duck could not be a Mallard; when the volunteer corresponds with me, he always makes me a better birder.

Technical information

Model

Canon PowerShot SX60 HS

ISO

500

Focal length

132.7 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/160 sec

Dimensions

4608 pixels x 3456 pixels

Original file size

5.05 MB