I would like to make a comment on the Mandarin duck and counting exotic birds/waterfoul on CBC's. I firmly believe that all bird species counted should be listed on the states bird list or the ABA checklist. Why is this duck posted on the rare bird alert? I know that Ted Floyd made a comment on this species from California. I checked the ABA list for North America- not there!!! California doesn't have this bird listed on their state list as well. I checked that Wed. evening (updated list Aug 2009). Don't get me wrong, it's nice to come across these birds, but don't list them on the rare bird alert. Has anyone proven that this bird is wild? I feel that this bird is an escapee from someones collection. Did this bird show any banding of sort? I know that some owners will band their birds and some won't leaving things in question, but lets all use are heads here and remember where this species is truly from and what are the chances that this duck is wild! Can anyone send me any info. on when the last time a wild Asiatic species of duck was found in the United States not alone Colorado? If this duck is truly doing something in California, I guess it's not enough to convince the bird records committee to add it to their list! If we can count exotic birds on CBC's, can I go to the zoo and get all those neat species of birds? I guess not because they are in captivity right? This Mandarin Duck was in captivity(probably), and it got loose. Someone better go and catch it and return it to its rightful owner-HA.
Tom Lechleitner Fort Lupton, CO Weld County P.S.- Remember birding is supposed to be fun and relaxing. Also, I would like to see common sense directions to all bird sitings if possible. Not everyone has a GPS on their belt or a topographic map handy. lately, I feel like I have to answer a math question in order to find the bird. -- Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/ Colorado County Birding: http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en