Mottled Duck, Morgan County

[Steven Mlodinow]

Greetings All

Photographs of the presumed Mottled Duck at the pond along Morgan County Road 2, east side of road, Andrick SWA can be seen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/ along with commentary. 

Compared with the Mexican Ducks I've seen, this bird is as dark as the darkest, but has a rather pale face with a weak eyestripe (darker in Mexi) and a paler crown that that of Mexi Duck. It also has a barely discernible trailing edge to the speculum. 

American Black Duck should have some darker markings on the underwing coverts, probably a different colored bill, a more purple speculum, less contrasting (darker, more streaked) face, and darker eyeline and crown.

I've sent these images to friends in LA and TX, and will post their opinions when received

Good Birding

Steve Mlodinow

Longmont CO