Date: 11/10/24 6:36 pm From: Tim Kavan <tkavan_76...> Subject: Phalarope (Red/Red-necked), Mississippi County, MO
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Earlier today, I was out cruising around the county and when I made a stop at Ten Mile Pond CA I was scanning the waters to see the new arrivals of waterfowl (Mallards, Gadwall, Shovelers and a few divers), until I caught eye of a mostly white tiny bird on the edge of the tree line/button bush habitat. The bird quickly stole my attention. I was sitting on the county road, as the area I was observing is a waterfowl refuge and entry is prohibited. I watched the bird intensely as it spent a lot of its time foraging amongst the ducks. it didn't ever seem concerned with their presence unless a drake mallard got a little frisky with the other male mallards in the area. it was probably 250 yards from my location. This bird never did the typical "spinning" action like other phalaropes are known for. This bird acted more like a coot than a phalarope. It did fly occasionally, flying around the pool for a minute or two and then landing at the same location or very near to it.
The description of the bird is a little white/grey bird with a straight black beak. it had a white forehead and a black eye patch (spectacle like). the bird also had a dark streak down the back of the neck. started at the top of the head and trailed down the back of the neck until it reached the upper shoulder area. the streak got really thin just below the head on the neck area. The back was mostly all grey and transitioned into a darker area near the wing tip/rump area. When it did fly, I did notice a white stripe on a dark wing. I included my ebird checklist which has some really raw photos of the bird on the water and in the air. I did not hear anything from the bird, neither did Merlin. IRight now, I am leaning towards this bird being a Red Phalarope.
I am trying to make arrangements with the biologist of the area for a closer look. I hope to have another report tomorrow.
