Rare Duck Spotted on the Presumpscot

AJ's Robert Lowell:

A European duck spotted this week in the Presumpscot River in Westbrook
is quickly becoming a celebrity for the state’s birdwatchers. Eric Hynes, Audubon
Society staff naturalist in Falmouth, identified the rare sight in Maine as a
male tufted duck. Hynes said it’s only the third one ever photographed in Maine.
People are traveling to Westbrook from central and Down East Maine to watch and
photograph the rare sight. Using a telescope, Skip Small of Rockport was viewing
the duck Thursday as it sat on the edge of river ice downstream from the bridge
in downtown Westbrook. The tufted duck seemed content to mingle with other ducks
in the river.

- John C.L. Morgan

Update: Photos of the duck in question can be seen here (tip of the cap to Maine Birding).