Mottled ducks, usually restricted to Florida wetlands, have been
showing up in the Midwest this summer, according to reports: Iowa,
Indiana, Missouri, and now Kentucky and Wisconsin.
        This is a species easily overlooked, with some close resemblances to
mallards and black ducks, especially this time of year, when those
common species are in their drabber juvenal and eclipse plumages.
        So, if you don't hear many birds singing, and you've already sorted out
the shorebirds, take a fresh look at the ducks out there. This seems
like a good summer for surprises. The good field guides give some useful
discriminations, but first look for what you scan for in Florida--a
noticeably paler-headed bird without visible white when on the
water--then work on the details.
Best of luck,
Bill Whan
Columbus

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