Vermont Rare Bird Reports 2022

Canon R5 and Canon RF 100-500 Lens

I observed this species at Anahuac NWR & Bolivar Peninsula in Texas (March/April 2022) and in South Carolina at Donnelly WMA (ACE BASIN) in April and May 2022.

I initially encountered them as they walked along the cement walk in front of the fenceline feeders at the farm on Fort Cassin/Sand Rd. After a short time, they flew off to the pond in the field on the opposite side of the road where I could no longer see them.

They were feeding with the cows! 1 kept sight of me and the other 3 would walk along the edge of the feed eating dropped feed.

I could not hear them and it did not look like they sounded off at all while I was there observing them.

I was driving along Sand Rd toward Vergennes on my way headed to Panton to do some birding. As I approached For Cassin Rd I slowed as I considered whether to turn and make a pass down that road. I looked to my right and immediately saw the ducks. I immediately recognized them because I was fortunate to observe them twice before in Texas and in South Carolina. I have to admit I was stunned and confused to see them here in Vermont! I found a place to turn around so I could get some photographs and marvel at the sight. I watched them forage along the edge of the feeders with the cows. The four of them were aware of my presence but didn't seem too alarmed as long as I stayed in my car. One stayed at alert while the other 3 fed. They continued to feed for about 20 minutes before they took off and flew to the pond on the opposite side of the road. I saw them land but they were no longer visible.

They seemed large for a duck, they have a long thin silhouette, and stood more upright than a common duck. More like a goose.

They had a bright red bill, gray face, white around their eyes. Their neck is very long with a chestnut streak down the back.

Red bill with a white tip and bright pink feet.

Dark chestnut color back

Lower back is a slightly lighter chestnut color with a dark rump

Wings have a large white stripe

The underside and belly is mostly black to the chest where it is chestnut. The line between black and chestnut is a flat, horizontal and very apparent.

The tail seemed all black to me.

There is no mistaking this particular species for another so I did not need to eliminate any other options.

I am not sure how to age or sex this species.

I was able to observe them again the next day, the details I have not included in this report but I am happy to do so if needed. I also have ample video recordings from my visit on 6/4 but I could not compress them to 20MB. Please contact me if you are interested in the video files as well.

My descriptions were written from memory and the photos/videos I have from both 6/3/22 and 6/4/22