Hybrid assumed Goldeneye x Hooded Merganser
sorry for poor footage -phonescoped at distance, against light, and it was mostly up and down. My first thought on seeing it was Hooded Merganser genes in this bird, owing to head shape/nape crest. I saw lots of hooded mergs on trips to Canada/US, but, many years ago now. My recollection was they don't have grey flank vermiculations. Whereas drake Smew do - and - smew X Goldeneye seemd more likely. However, was puzzled by white spot on face. Eventually, got to check Reeber. Yes, no age/sex of Hooded Merg really shows 'grey' flanks. BUT, it seems they do when hybridising with Goldeneye - and white on face better for Hooded Merg. Pit 60 bird matches pics of Geye X Hood Merg in US. So, that's what I'm plumping for, unless others know better! And, if you can show it arrived with the Varied Thrush that'd be good. Instructive bird. Thanks to folk for comments.
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