[Smithers]

I stopped by Burnaby Lake today and saw this pale duck. From this cropped iPhone photo, I see that the overall shape and especially the tail and wingtips are very mallard-like. I also see an orange bill with a black mark. With its association with mallards, it seems to be an albino female mallard. What do you think? Whatever this is, is it common?

[jewill]

This is most likely a Mallard x Domestic Duck hybrid. An Albino would be pure white with red eyes so that can be ruled out I think. I see them occasionally in popular birding spots like Piper Spit and Reifel so while it’s not a common sight, it’s not rare either.

[Smithers]

'Makes sense!

Yes, it was at Piper Spit.

Thanks.

[phainopepla6]

I had one just like that today at Esquimalt Lagoon.