A first for me

[marshman]

I have heard of this, but in 45 years of waterfowl hunting I have never experienced this. After staring at it for awhile, i think it is a Seattle duck- Bianary for sure

 

[Nick87]

Pretty cool.

 

[JShane]

Been a lot of hybrid type birds posted up this year. Congrats on a fine specimen.

 

[phutch30]

Thats not a hybrid. just a drake with some hormone issues, prob an older bird. I see a couple a yr similiar to that.

 

[JShane]

Learn something new. Gratis.

 

[marshman]

Thats not a hybrid. just a drake with some hormone issues, prob an older bird. I see a couple a yr similiar to that.

Look at this also, size is very small.

 

[JShane]

Wow. Ok so rolling with your initial assessment is that atrophy from old age? Or any number of other contributing factors.

 

[thomas89]

Have always heard that old hen mallards take on traits of drakes due to hormone imbalances. Would explain the size and coloration?

 

[phutch30]

Look at this also, size is very small. View attachment 207991

When you cleaned it did it have any fat?

 

[okie archer]

I believe it to be a juvenile drake.

 

[Duck-Slayer]

I have heard of this, but in 45 years of waterfowl hunting I have never experienced this. After staring at it for awhile, i think it is a Seattle duck- Bianary for sure View attachment 207703

In my limited duck/goose hunting career we see the local town ducks like that quite a bit. There smaller than there cousins that migrated down from the north
Matt

 

[marshman]

When you cleaned it did it have any fat?

Yes, it was not skinny just small.

 

[marshman]

Have always heard that old hen mallards take on traits of drakes due to hormone imbalances. Would explain the size and coloration?

Yes this, maybe. Look at the feet; hen pale orange, no trace of darker orange or red like the two along side. Also body shape like a hen once picked, more stubby than the drakes.

 

[marshman]

I believe it to be a juvenile drake.

I thought this at first glance also, but not one pin feather.