ML641554376

观察细节

Found in a group of about 20 Blue-winged Teal. Slightly larger than the surrounding Blue-wings with an obvious warm, golden cast to the body. Bill was larger, longer, and ever so slightly paler than the bills of the blue-wings, with a noticeable spatulate tip, appearing shoveler-like in proportions. Face was plain overall, lacking the cold pale patch at base of bill seen in most Blue-wings. Noticeable, and different from all other teal in flock was distinct red iris, when viewed through the scope, probably making this an adult still retaining female-like body feathers from its late summer eclipse molt. I suppose the question becomes… how can we determine it’s not a hybrid? Will have to do a bit of research on that given its plumage, but it looked like any other late summer Cinnamon Teal I’ve seen back home. Digi-scope photos and video. (37.0529437, -90.1246030)