Black stilt and unusual-looking teal, Ashley Rivermouth

Nikki McArthur · Post by **Nikki McArthur** » Wed Dec 26, 2012 3:39 pm

Hi All,
Susanne Govella and I were at the Ashley Rivermouth on 24/12 and spotted a black stilt right opposite the carpark. Of more interest though was an unusual-looking teal that we couldnt identify. This bird had pale chestnut mottling on chest and belly and uniform brown upperparts. The head was uniform brown and darker than those of some nearby grey teal. Eye was reddish-brown with no white eye ring, bill, feet and legs slate-grey. There was also a bit of black mottling on the chest and another dark patch on folded wings. When the bird lifted its wings there was a large white triangular bar present. There was no sign of a white flank patch or dark tail. I did manage to get some passable photos using a point-and-shoot camera through the scope but wont be able to post them till we get home in early January. Any suggestions in the meantime as to ID would be gratefully received!
Cheers,
Nikki

Suzi · Post by **Suzi** » Wed Dec 26, 2012 4:53 pm

Hi Nikki,

Here's a photo of a Chestnut Teal taken in Manukau, Auckland some time ago. It seems to fit the description of your teal.

Best regards,
Suzi

Jan · Post by **Jan** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 4:31 pm

Funny-looking teal have been seen at the Ashley rivermouth before.
The general consensus then wwas that they were Grey Teal stained with
rusty algae or somesuch.
It will be good to see your photos, however fuzzy.
Perhaps someone else could have a look for it too.

mickramsey · Post by **mickramsey** » Sun Dec 30, 2012 10:50 pm

This looks good for an eclipse or young male Chestnut Teal to me, a good pic to compare it to a Grey Teal in the background.

Jan · Post by **Jan** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 2:13 pm

At Ashley estuary this morning. Howling NW wind blowing dust and waves at hide tide all over the place.
Birds sheltering, so we went around the other side and saw 2 Grey Teal, one a bit darker than the other,
but these were certainly Grey Teal.
7 Knot
Up to 100 Bar-tailed Godwits
7 SIPO
2 Banded Dotterel

After the wind died down a bit, back to the carpark side and the tide had dropped to reveal the Black Stilt in his usual spot.
This bird has been around the Ashley for many years now and is to be found up the riverbed with a Pied Stilt mate most seasons. Sometimes there are 2 Black Stilt by the carpark.

At Taranaki Stream which is passed on the way in and out of Waikuku, there were Grey Teal with ducklings and others roosting on logs. Couldn't see any like Chestnut Teal, but lots were hiding in the willows. It was HOT.

Bev and Jan.

Nikki McArthur · Post by **Nikki McArthur** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 9:39 pm

Hi all,

Here are the photos of the unusually-coloured teal that Susanne and I saw at the Ashley River mouth on 24/12. Thanks very much to Suzi and Jan for their replies to my original post. Based on their comments and discussion elsewhere on the forum I'm pretty much settled on grey teal with stained feathers for this bird; but would certainly welcome any further correction or comments.

Cheers,
Nikki