black headed canvasback

Darrel where did you go.. Venice..thats some nice birds..

 

This is also a strange year in Southwest Louisiana. As far as scoters, weve taken in 2 whitewings and a surf. Non were mature drakes but they do come down to the Gulf Coast. Most of the birds we had have left and sounds like they are staged in Arkansas. Have taken in more hybrids and such this year than any other year. Quite a few gaddy crosses with mallard and pintail, white bluewing and white greenwing and gadwall wigeon hybrid. Something must have been different on the breeding grounds! Will post pics when mounted.

 

stop it you're making me want to move there! I live in the worst state in the country for ducks I think. Used to be good, not anymore

 

may be your lighting but almost looks like a chiloe widgeon/pintail

 

Old pintail hen?

 

Congrats Darrel on an amazing hybrid, but what a shame that you only took one crappy field pic. Next time you kill something spectacular, take dozens of field pics at all angles. You can always delete the ones you don't want but you can never go back and take pics later. A frozen bird or a bird with rigor don't make for pretty pics.
Just saying.....

 

I'm scratching my head over the pintail. Without seeing the wings it's hard to say, but I think Jordan is probably right.
It looks like an extremely old pintail hen that was beginning to have some hormone issues. I've seen several old mallard hens like that, but this would be the first-ever pintail .. if that's what it is.

 

Well Daniel I hope we get to see that canvasback at the Louisiana show this year