[obol] Re: RBA Amerian Black Duck

[David C. Bailey]

Anyone in the region know of any recent releases or escapes of AMERICAN 
BLACK DUCK in or around the Willamette Valley or greater Pacific 
Northwest region?  AMERICAN BLACK DUCK is a review species and as such 
the Oregon Birds Records Committee encourages any see the bird to sumbit 
a description and/or other supporting details to the secretary Harry 
Nehls (hnehls at teleport.com). Details of the state of this drake's 
ability to fly, plumage wear, and presence/absence of leg bands would be 
helpful.

Thanks for Douglas for reporting this bird. I find the species quite 
handsome in its sylvan plumage. I hope others see the bird.

David C. Bailey
Seaside, Oregon
baileydc AT psu.edu


> *Subject: Am. Black Duck at Baskett Slough, Polk County*
> From: "Robinson, Douglas"
> Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2006 13:34:12 -0700
>
>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
>