[mou] cc: re: [mnbird] A Merganser/Goldeneye hybrid on Lake Vadnais?

[jeff fischer]

I witnessed the hybrid on Sunday also. In doing a little research on the web I found that it is not all that uncommon to find a common goldeneye x hooded merganser hybrid. I have found reports and pictures that have been posted from numerous states. There have also been hybrids which have thought to have been with the Barrow's goldeneye but the pattern on this bird would suggest that it is with a common goldeneye. I did get some good photos that I will post when I get some time so that everyone can decide for themselves.
 
Thanks,
Jeff Fischer
http://ecobirder.blogspot.com/


----- Original Message ----
From: KCTEPO00 <KCTEPO00 at smumn.edu>
To: Steve Bachman <sbachman725 at yahoo.com>
Cc: mnbird at lists.mnbird.net
Sent: Sunday, November 11, 2007 11:02:25 AM
Subject: cc: re: [mnbird] A Merganser/Goldeneye hybrid on Lake Vadnais?

I saw the same confusing bird that Steve and Joann saw this morning and was puzzled as well.  From the back and at a distance I thought it was a Red-Breasted Merganser (with no red), especially with the tufted feathers on the head (versus the Common Mergansers rounded head).  It eventually came within about 15 feet of me, but better looks and better lighting didn't give me any better ID.  I'd guess it has to be a hybrid as well.  

Also there this morning were the same Trumpeter Swans and Goldeneyes, an Eagle, hundreds of Ring-Necked Ducks, plus at least 100-200 Scaup (mostly Lesser, though I did pick out at least 5 Greater).  A lone Pintail was hanging out with the Swans and Coots, and a small group of Redheads, all within 10 feet of me.  The Swans, Pintail, and Redheads and a few Goldeneye were feeding very close to shore the whole time I was there, and in fact moved closer the longer I watched.  It was a delightful scene, perfect weather, couldn't ask for more.  In March, I saw 5 Trumpeter Swans on Vadnais Lake as well, I wonder if they might be the same ones.  Something about swans always stops me in my tracks, they are so beautiful.  

Also--Yesterday, at Old Cedar Avenue in Bloomington, I saw Wigeons, Ruddy Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, Blue-Winged Teals, Trumpeter Swans, Golden-Crowned Kinglets, Kingfisher, Eagles, and the first Tree Sparrows I've seen this fall.  

Kyle TePoel
St. Paul





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