On Saturday I was riding around the eastern basin of Lake Burley Griffin in
Canberra and stopped to observe the large numbers of Black Swans; at least
85 at first count.
Also in evidence was a very large number of Pacific Black Ducks. One closer
inspection one of the PBDs was unlike the others. Size, shape and general
body colouration were that of a PBD, but its legs were bright orange and the
head had a somewhat similar colouration of a Grey Teal though substantially
darker - no supercilium was evident. The throat too lacked the tan
colouration of a PBD and was the same colour as the body. The bill was the
same slate grey as the PBD. While I had good views of the duck I did not
have binoculars with me so I missed some identifying features such as the
colour of the speculum. A perusal of hybrids in HANZAB hasn't helped
identify the duck, but I presume it to be a Mallard/PBD hybrid. Anyone else
have an idea?
Cheers
Alastair
____________________________
Alastair Smith
Assistant Director
Law Enforcement Liaison
National Coordinator Child Pornography
Phone: 02 6275 6726
Mob: 0401 993 381
Fax: 02 6275 6996
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