[obol] Am. Black Duck at Baskett Slough, Polk County

[Robinson, Douglas]

An American Black Duck was with Mallards at Baskett Slough NWR (Polk County) today, 11 July.

Randy Moore and I saw it in the slough nearest to the Hwy 22 overlook. We were doing lark surveys under a special use permit and were actually out in the marsh when we saw it, but it can probably be scoped from the highway overlook.  Might be best to try scoping early in the morning when light conditions are best (less shimmer).  We noted the blackish plumage, greenish-yellow bill, bright white underwing and purple speculum lacking bright white borders.

A fair number of shorebirds, primarily Greater Yellowlegs, Western Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, dowitchers and a couple juv Wilson's Phalaropes were present as well.

W. Douglas Robinson
Corvallis, OR 97331


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