Mandarin Duck and Greater White-fronted Geese

Kenn Kaufman reported two Greater White-fronted Geese on the OH Birds list.  I ran into Kenn and Kim yesterday after they found these birds at Meinke Marina (private property, north end of Teachout Rd in eastern Lucas Co.).  Their is a public boat launch operated by Lucas Co. that does provide access to the area but not good views of the open water where the birds are hanging out with hundreds of Canadas.  They do leave the marina to feed in local ag fields.

 

From the very east end of the public launch parking lot one can look north up the canal for distant views of another, very small open water spot kept open by a bubbler.  In this opening with dozens of Mallards and various mutt ducks is a female Mandarin Duck.  My neighbor happens to be friends with a property owner on the east side of the canal and was helping him work on a boat yesterday.  So, I was able to gain access to get a couple of photos.  I questioned the property owner about the duck, apparently she has been returning to this spot the past several years but usually leaves when things really start icing up.  Their is no public access from the east side of the canal. 

 

She looks very much like a hen Wood Duck but a couple of field marks got me questioning this bird.  The white stripe behind the eye is probably the most obvious, the top of the bill is orange and the cheek feathers and long feathers on the back of the head remind me of the shape of a drake Mandarin.  My first impression was also of a very small bird, I thought smaller than a Wood Duck but the field guides indicate Mandarin and Wood Ducks are about the same size.  Kenn also points to the bright white edging on the primaries, light bill tip, and the lighter, rounded spots on the flanks.