Willband Creek Park July 23

[james]

Hi all, I am a relatively new birder and wondered whether it's rare or not to see a Redhead duck in Abbotsford at this time of year. I am 90% sure I saw a male at Willband today in the southeast pond, hanging out with some mallards. I was close enough to see a yellowish eye through binoculars and the size and head shape didn't seem to fit with canvasback, which I have seen at Willband before. This was around 1 pm July 23. Has anyone been there recently and seen a duck fitting this description?

I don't know enough to absolutely rule out GW Teal but I think this duck was larger. It also didn't have the white vertical stripes on the sides of the breast that the teals have.

[james]

No pics unfortunately - I should have mentioned that first!

[Ben]

I believe that Gabi had a Redhead somewhat recently at Willband (July 2) so chances are the same bird is still around.
I'd say they're rare in the valley during the summer (eBird shows no records). Definitely something worth noting.

And welcome to the forum

[james]

Thanks Jon! Good to know.

[birder1942]

Larry Hooge and I saw a similar bird recently at Willband, however it did not have red on its head as far as we could see. John Vooys