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/

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Archives:
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