Took a stroll with wife and
dog along the Molonglo downstream from the Scrivener dam this
afternoon. Generally a pretty depressing stretch of waterway, though
not without its share of birdlife - lots of finches (R-B, D-B and
Gold), G-H Cisticola, Speckled Warblers, lots of wrens but no robins.
However, at the pool where Yarralumla Creek flows into the Molonglo, we
came across a very odd-looking duck. It was a large duck, verging on
goose-sized, with pinkish legs, a generally buff or chestnut brown
body, paler underneath. Whitish neck and throat except for a
buff-colored ring about halfway up the neck. Pale gray head with large
brown patches around the eyes. We saw it (or possibly its mate)
swimming shortly after and there was a very distinct white rectanglular
patch on the wing. I can't find anything in the books that fits it
exactly (the Whistling-ducks are closest), which suggests that it's an
escapee or a cross-breed of some sort, but I thought the markings looked
too clear and well defined for a mongrel. If anyone happens to be in that
neighbourhood in the next few days, I'd appreciate a second opinion.
John Brannan
--
36 Challinor Cres., Florey, Canberra ACT 2615, Australia
Ph.: (+612) 6258 6038 Fax: (+612) 6258 6238
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