WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL OR BAHAMA PINTAIL, LELY RESORT ENTRANCE, TAMIAMI TRAIL EAST & LELY RESORT BLVD.,NAPLES,FLORIDA, 12/31/2019

   The White-cheeked Pintail (also called Bahama Pintail) is a rare vagrant from the Caribbean (Bahamas, Cuba, etc.) to Southeast Florida.   This Pintail was seen and photographed by many birders.  It was seen flying by birders and birders with scopes who were able to see its legs, could see no bands or other indication of captivity.  Thus, I am adding it to my Life List.  The Pintail was dabbling for food in the company of a group of Mottled Ducks.

   We can ID this duck as a White-cheeked Pintail as follows:

• Overall light and dark brown with striking white cheeks
• Blue bill with red base
• Lighter brown areas are spotted dark brown 

   The White-cheeked Pintail is a new species to our Photographic Life List, which now stands at 980.