Eurasian & Green-winged Teal Photos from Ding Darling NWR

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Posted by Vince Lucas on 11:30:37 02/09/05

Here are the photos of the Eurasian Teal (and Green-winged Teal for comparison) that are being seen at Ding Darling NWR on Sanibel Island. Apparently, the bird has been at this location for several weeks at least but was overlooked until a noted Hungarian biologist, who was visiting the refuge, pointed it out to one of the volunteers. Noted birder/writer/photographer Lillian Stokes (of the Don & Lillian Stokes Field Guides to Birds fame) took the picture. Note that she maintains the copyright for these photos! The difference in the male of these two species is quite striking as one can see from the photos and if it hasn't
already been split by the AOU (there is some debate on this) it most definitely should be split IMHO as has been done by the British Ornithological Union (BOU). For pix of the two teals taken by Lillian Stokes, go to:

http://www.caloosabirdclub.org/EurasianGreen-wingedTeal.jpg

and

http://www.caloosabirdclub.org/Green-wingedTeal.jpg

I believe that the duck can still be seen near the tower (Stop #3??) area on the Wildlife Drive. Birders might want to inquire about its current status at the Visitor's Center.

REMEMBER THAT THE REFUGE WILDLIFE DRIVE IS CLOSED ON FRIDAYS!!! IT IS OPEN FROM 7:30AM TO 5:30PM ON OTHER DAYS IN THE FALL AND WINTER.

The phone number of the refuge is (239) 472-1100 I believe.

Note: the Sanibel Causeway toll is now $6 per car to get onto the island. I believe the entrance fee for Ding Darling NWR is $5 per car and $1.00 per biker or hiker or it is free to holders of a National Parks Golden Age Passport. Also acceptable is a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp = duck hunting stamp (good at all National Wildlife Refuges for a year). I believe its cost is $15.00 and can be purchased at most US Post Offices over the counter. It is good for one year from July (when the new duck stamps are issued) to the next July.

Further updates on the Eurasian Teal will be provided as I learn about them.

Lastly, on Sunday, February 6th, two Short-tailed Hawks were seen off of the Wildlife Drive at the refuge. There have also been recent sightings of Mangrove Cuckoo on the refuge as well so birders may want to consider a trip to Ding Darling NWR! The reason speculated for seeing the cuckoos at this time of year (even though they probably have always been there in winter to some extent) is that Hurricane Charley "opened up" the mangroves and other dense shrubs so that these birds have less areas to hide. What do birders think of this idea I'd be curious to know?

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Re: Eurasian & Green-winged Teal Photos from Ding Darling NWR - John Boyd 12:54:19 02/09/05 (0)

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Comments:	: Here are the photos of the Eurasian Teal (and Green-winged Teal for comparison) that are being seen at Ding Darling NWR on Sanibel Island. Apparently, the bird has been at this location for several weeks at least but was overlooked until a noted Hungarian biologist, who was visiting the refuge, pointed it out to one of the volunteers. Noted birder/writer/photographer Lillian Stokes (of the Don & Lillian Stokes Field Guides to Birds fame) took the picture. Note that she maintains the copyright for these photos! The difference in the male of these two species is quite striking as one can see from the photos and if it hasn't : already been split by the AOU (there is some debate on this) it most definitely should be split IMHO as has been done by the British Ornithological Union (BOU). For pix of the two teals taken by Lillian Stokes, go to: : : http://www.caloosabirdclub.org/EurasianGreen-wingedTeal.jpg : : and : : http://www.caloosabirdclub.org/Green-wingedTeal.jpg : : I believe that the duck can still be seen near the tower (Stop #3??) area on the Wildlife Drive. Birders might want to inquire about its current status at the Visitor's Center. : : REMEMBER THAT THE REFUGE WILDLIFE DRIVE IS CLOSED ON FRIDAYS!!! IT IS OPEN FROM 7:30AM TO 5:30PM ON OTHER DAYS IN THE FALL AND WINTER. : : The phone number of the refuge is (239) 472-1100 I believe. : : Note: the Sanibel Causeway toll is now $6 per car to get onto the island. I believe the entrance fee for Ding Darling NWR is $5 per car and $1.00 per biker or hiker or it is free to holders of a National Parks Golden Age Passport. Also acceptable is a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp = duck hunting stamp (good at all National Wildlife Refuges for a year). I believe its cost is $15.00 and can be purchased at most US Post Offices over the counter. It is good for one year from July (when the new duck stamps are issued) to the next July. : : Further updates on the Eurasian Teal will be provided as I learn about them. : : Lastly, on Sunday, February 6th, two Short-tailed Hawks were seen off of the Wildlife Drive at the refuge. There have also been recent sightings of Mangrove Cuckoo on the refuge as well so birders may want to consider a trip to Ding Darling NWR! The reason speculated for seeing the cuckoos at this time of year (even though they probably have always been there in winter to some extent) is that Hurricane Charley "opened up" the mangroves and other dense shrubs so that these birds have less areas to hide. What do birders think of this idea I'd be curious to know?
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