[Tweeters] Unusual looking Wood Duck

[HAL MICHAEL]

While the small size suggests a young of the year that would likely be too early to molt into breeding plumage. I think it more likely that it was a late duckling from last year who is slow to acquire breeding plumage.  At=;alternatively, could just be a small mature male heading into eclipse ahead of the rest.


Hal Michael
Board of Directors,Ecologists Without Borders (http://ecowb.org/)
Olympia WA
360-459-4005
360-791-7702 (C)
ucd880 at comcast.net


> On 06/01/2022 10:27 AM John Riegsecker <jriegsecker at pobox.com> wrote:

> 

>  

> Last week I photographed an unusual Wood Duck drake at Fort Steilacoom 

> Park.  It is small compared to the other males it was with, and its 

> plumage is all messed up, looking something like eclipse plumage.  I've 

> asked several people and did some Google research, but haven't found 

> much.  Any suggestions on what is going on?  The eBird list with photos 

> is here:

> 

> https://ebird.org/pnw/checklist/S111141324

> 

> John Riegsecker

> Gig Harbor, WA

> 

> -- 

> John Riegsecker

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