[EBB Sightings] Stilt Sandpiper Still @ Don Edw.; Mallard X Gadwall (?) @ Coyote Hills

Hi Birders.
The STILT SANDPIPER first reported at Don Edwards NWR
by Joe Devine on 10/10 was visible today in the early
afternoon from the Tidelands Trail.  Five-six LESSER
YELLOWLEGS were in the first pond on the right after
turning into the entrance road.
At Coyote Hills, near the intersection of the Dust and
Chochenyo Trails, an interesting-looking MALLARD
appeared to possess many traits of a GADWALL.  (Birds
of North America on-line does say that these two
species hybridize.)  
The underparts and rear end were just like a Mallard
except there was no tail curl.  The head was mostly an
iridescent green except for a broad brown band along
the crown. The flanks and scapulars were a uniform
gray with strong wavy lines (vermiculations) that put
me in mind of Scaup.  The scapulars and tertials were
pointed, like Gadwall, and the scaps edged light.  The
bill was all black except for a little orange on each
side.  The forehead appeared to me to be a little
steeper than that of the surrounding Mallards.  There
was no white neck ring.  I got two brief views of the
speculum and believe it was half-white, half-dark,
like a Gadwall.
Naturally my camera was in the car; I guess this
should be a lesson.  In any case, it was a most
interesting bird.
Good birding,
Emily Serkin
Castro Valley