ML636728522

Observation details

Photos. Found and reported by Rick Potts earlier this morning. Tight flock on 10 BBWD resting on the water by the dam overflow area. Floated within 10-15 feet of us so good views were had. Medium sized duck. Hot pink bill with white tip and orange patch towards top of bill to base. Dark eye with very obvious white eye ring. Head mostly gray on sides with rufous crown and top of head. Crown turns to a dark Rich brown strip which runs all the way down the back of the head, nape and neck. From side - Chestnut rufous breast slightly darkening as it extends along the top of the bird and wings. Back of bird a primaries grayish pinkish brown. Lightening in color. Side patch (and assume the rest of the belly) was dark to almost black topped with a lighter side patch. Under tail light with some dark speckled spots. Occasionally heard some high pitched squeaks from the group. Very tolerant of the gathering crowd.