This discussion of Common Shelducks and their possible wild origins offers a perfect example of why it is so important for observers to report and document sightings of so-called 'exotics'. Only by sharing and ultimately archiving these various sightings can we properly understand any underlying patterns of occurrence. How often does such and such as species occur? Are they more frequent in a particular season? Do they display habitat preferences? Both NYSARC and the Kingbird Regional editors welcome such reports. It is particularly helpful to document the presence or absence of any signs of captive origins (e.g. absence of leg bands, intact toes and flight feathers etc). even if this suggests there is a mix of 'possibly wild' and 'definitely escaped/released' birds in our area.
In addition to the two examples of Common Shelduck mentioned by Andrew Block and Arie Gilbert, an adult Common Shelduck was observed in 1998 and 1999 in the tidal creeks at the Fresh Kills Landfill on Staten Island (Richmond Co.). Appropriately, a description and photographs of this bird were submitted to NYSARC (1999-54-A). Perhaps Staten Island birders can comment on whether this bird was seen in subsequent years and whether it was ever seen away from the Christmas Bird Count period? See the link below to the 1999 NYSARC Annual Report which includes photos of the bird taken by Dick Veit: http://www.nybirds.org/NYSARC/Reports/NYSARC1999.html A persuasive case for natural vagrancy of the MA bird is being made on the state listserve and is well worth reading. To be fair, each line of argument is 'soft' in the sense that it is compatible with a wild bird but is not in itself proof. After all we know that escapes may express some on their natural migratory tendencies and feeding habitat preferences, but the fact that the bird favors tidal habitat is a definite plus and is the increasing occurrence of the species in Iceland. Unfortunately these types of ambiguity are pretty much unavoidable when it comes to most wildfowl, unless you are lucky enough to find a bird banded in the wild as has happened with a couple of Barnacle Geese. Anyway, lets see how the story develops and in the meanwhile lets hear some more about shelduck and other intriguing waterfowl in New York. As they say in those infomercials, "receptionists (read: regional editors) are waiting to take your call"! Angus Wilson New York City & The Springs, NY, USA http://birdingtotheend.blogspot.com/ -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES Archives: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
