[CT Birds] Unexpected New Yard Bird

[COMINS, Patrick]

Nothing as exciting as a Western Tanager, but I did add a new species to the Meriden yard list, and an unexpected one...Gadwall.  We were about to go for a ride and I had just put my binoculars down in the car and closed the door when I heard a familiar sound, the nasally call of a Gadwall. Just then 3 ducks flew right overhead at treetop level.  Of course I had just put my bins down in the car, but naked eye view was consistent with a drake Gadwall with a pair of Mallards.   I still couldn't believe my luck, and was erring on the side of caution and wasn't going to add it to the list, but the birds were headed towards nearby Hubbard Park.  We drove by Mirror Lake in the park and sure enough, a drake Gadwall was there, hanging out with a pair of Mallards!  I have found them quite uncommon inland, so this is probably up there with Tundra and Mute Swans as the most unexpected flyover for this yard.  Now if I can just pick out a Black Duck, Herring Gull or Great Black-backed Gull flying over!

Patrick Comins, Meriden