ML633761534

Observation details

ORIGINAL NOTE (when I reported them as American Black Ducks): First drawn by overall darker appearance than mallards, then immediately struck by how reddish their legs were. Then saw that male had only a small white dot *sometimes* visible at the *bottom* of his blue speculum, and *never* any white at the *top* of his speculum. All bills yellowish/olive. (Forgot to record the exact spot at the time, but looking back at the map, I think they were at (32.1509951, -81.1062630), north of the road. ///// UPDATE: eBird reviewer says: "The photos uploaded here seem to show Mottled Ducks. This represents a difficult ID challenge in many instances. In this area Am Black Ducks are quite rare at any time of year. In many instances, Mottled Ducks can show some traits that are normally associated with black ducks such as cap and lores that appear dark, streaked cheek, red legs, etc. When viewed in good light and short distance, these traits are usually overtaken by other Mottled characteristics such buffy coloration, broader pale feather edging, gape spots, etc. The pale buffy markings and gape spots in most of your photos would lead me say Mottled on these. A back of camera shot shows a very dark colorations, but that seems artificial. The pattern of white you describe near the speculum fits for Mottled. I would recommend changing to Mottled."