Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!seismo!sundc!pitstop!sun!decwrl!purdue!mailrus!sharkey!cfctech!rphroy!edsews!edsdrd!gss From: gss@edsdrd.eds.com (Gary Schiltz) Newsgroups: rec.birds Subject: Eurasian Wigeon, Tufted Duck Message-ID: <117@arcturus.edsdrd.eds.com> Date: 18 Jan 89 14:52:01 GMT Organization: EDS Research and Development, Auburn Hills, MI 48057 Lines: 26 This past weekend was a good one for unusual birds in SE Michigan. On the Clinton river, in with numerous Mallards, was a Eurasian Wigeon. This was some of the only open water around for miles. I understand that they are unusual, but regular visitors to this area. Anyway, it was a lifer for me. The highlight of the weekend was a Tufted Duck on Belle Isle in the Detroit River. This was only the second one seen in Michigan, and definitely my first! The bird has been hanging around with a group of Mallards in the same area for over a week. The bird can be seen from closer than 10 meters. Neither bird seems shy, but neither is banded, so I assume both are wild, and not an escapee from a zoo or breeder. I've heard that Tufted Ducks are being seen more regularly in recent years. Does anyone have any thoughts on why this might be true (if it is true)? Perhaps increased storms at sea blowing birds off course? Enquiring birders want to know! :-<> -- /\ What cheer, /\ | Gary Schiltz, EDS R&D, 3551 Hamlin Road | / o< cheer,