A Traveler and his Cat exploring America.





Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Falcated Duck

This individual is an Asian species that showed up at the Colusa National Wildlife Refuge 70 miles north of Sacramento in California. An extremely rare occurrence, this is about the best Christmas gift the birders of North America could receive. A lifer for many.

A thank you to my daughter who is an avid birder. She told me about it showing up a couple weeks ago and encouraged me to make the drive to go see it.

This is linked to Springman's Pine River Review on

27 comments:

Sonny from Panama! said...

WooHoo, you got it! Outrageous photos too!

TexWisGirl said...

too cool! really interesting looking!

TexWisGirl said...

thanks, john's daughter!

Patricia Lichen said...

Gorgeous!

Randy said...

What beautiful coloring.

Brian King said...

Fantastic color in those heads!

Unknown said...

What a Beauty! Lucky you to be there and get photos!

Cindy said...

ohhh, that's what all the fuss is about. The celebrity seems to be taking all the fame in stride. Thanks for the photo, it is indeed an exotic looking feathered-fellow.

mick said...

It's always nice to get a new bird and you have a great series of photos.

Carole M. said...

glad you got the tip-off! Amazing plumage!

eileeninmd said...

Lovely duck and beautiful photos. Thanks to you daughter for giving the heads up. I wish you a very Happy New Year.

joo said...

They are terrific, and I love your photos!

holdingmoments said...

That's one beautiful looking duck.
It would make my day too if I saw it.

T. Becque said...

Warning girl comment - ducks are just cute!

grammie g said...

Hi John....A real great find thanks to your daughters convincing we all get to see this beauty !
Thanks for sharing this rariety!!
Grace

Unknown said...

Beautiful bird!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

theconstantwalker said...

Beautiful birds to see John..
I would love to have another birder in the family..

Pat said...

A lovely duck! You got some really good shots of it.

EG CameraGirl said...

How exciting! I wish I lived closer!

Trish ~ ♥ ~ said...

awesome find!

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Great captures! Really interesting colors and shape to the head.

Springman said...

Thank you daughter. Nice job documenting this rare sight too John. Congrats on this brilliant lifer, we're not likely to see this one again any time soon.
Happy New Year!

Stewart M said...

Hi there - I can see why you would go a few miles to see this one - rare or not it’s a cracking bird.

Also, really like the shot of Sinbad.

Hope you have a good New Year.

Stewart M - Australia

Reena said...

Such a cool opportunity! Glad you shared! Have enjoyed my year with you and wish you a merry and safe new year!

Johnny Nutcase said...

aww, sweet! you saw it and got photos - awesome! i have some friends in that area who are going CRAZY for this guy. Nice! Happy new year!

Arija said...

Sorry I missed these last week. They are quite spectacular!

Unknown said...

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