whast duck?

[Myer Bornstein]

Unknown Duck seen At Cumberland Field Halifax MA

[Paul Lagasi]

Myer...you can send a photo up to 200 kb...tough to see this duck....first glance doesn't look like any north american duck I've ever seen...but coloration looks like a Ruddy Shelduck, a european duck.

[Patti Edens]

My WAG would be a Northern Shoveler based on reddish underneath, two toned underwing and white neck.

Did it have a really funny looking bill?

[John Chardine]

I agree with Paul this looks like a Ruddy Shelduck. Notice the ginger-brown body, light head, and black and white wings. Here's a link to an image of a flying bird that looks very similar.

http://www.birdingintaiwan.org/Ruddy...,%20flying.jpg

Having said this it is important to note that there are many waterfowl fanciers out there and escapes from captivity happen on a regular basis. Therefore this bird did not necessarily get to North America under its own steam.

A larger image would be nice!

[Shawn P. Carey]

When was this photo taken?

[John McNamara]

Looks like a Ruddy Shelduck to me too. Most probably an escaped bird. Beautiful bird too. We need closer photos though.

John Mc

[Wayne Richardson]

Hi Myer

Despite the small image the ID can be narrowed down to 3 species of Shelduck, i.e. Cape, Paradise & Ruddy. All of these show the the same general pattern of orange-brown body, paler head & striking black & white underwing. However, as only the female Paradise has a white head like this bird, I would go for this New Zealand species.

Cheers: Wayne