Kip’s Comments - October 26, 2025

Hybrid, Normal, and Not Too Far From the Dairy

A possible unusual find for the morning was what I believe to be a hybrid mallard duck. Notice how dark this bird is compared to other mallards. I suspect this may have been the result of different species mating. For reference purposes I will include images of “normal” mallards.

Hybrid Mallard - Image 1038222

Hybrid Mallard - Image 1038230

Mallards - Image 1038298

Mallards - Image 1038298

This afternoon I was invited on a trip to the Country View Dairy near Hawkeye and West Union. Since we were in the area, our carload visited Echo Valley State Park. Like me, they found the beauty of the driftless region something special. I took more photos of the area.

Otter Creek - Image 1038483

Otter Creek - Image 1038517

Otter Creek - Image 1038524

Otter Creek - Image 1038546