[Ontbirds]Mottled Duck - Hillman Marsh

[Todd Pepper]

The Mottled Duck reported by Dean Ware the evening of May 1, 2008 at the Hillman Marsh shorebird and waterfowl habitat was still present at 6:40 a.m. this morning, May 2nd. The Mottled Duck was with two pair of American Black Duck on the south side of the impoundment near the bench. The Mottled Duck was observed for approx. 20 minutes. The bright yellow bill and lighter neck and head clearly distinguished it from the adjacent Black Ducks. Just as I went to digiscope it the main flock of Mallards lifted off and headed east towards Hillman Marsh and then the Black Ducks, Mottled Duck and Shovelers were quick to follow. Again the Mottled Duck stood out from the adjacent Black Ducks by its lighter body colour.

Probably best to try for this bird again in the evening. 

Also present at Hillman this a.m. was a Stilt Sandpiper at the south-west corner and both Yellowlegs in the water nearest the pump station. 

Todd Pepper
Leamington, Ontario
tandjpepper at cogeco.ca