Apr
8
2009
Hybrid Duck
Hybrid Mallard Anas platyrhynchos X Northern Pintail A. acuta, Mud Bay, Homer, 10 March 2009.
This drake has been hanging out in Mud Bay, at the base of the Homer spit since at least March 10, when I took this photo. It shows a combination of characters from both Mallard and Northern Pintail and has been associating with a large flock of Mallards and Wigeon, including 7 Eurasian Wigeon. Last fall (13-October-2008) I photographed what was probably the same individual at Mud Bay. The Mallard flock of at least 800 birds departed the spit in the fall and was absent until late February when the ice left Mud Bay and impressive numbers returned. Where did they winter?
