Correct! It is a Laysan Duck. I have had the pleasure of spending some time on Laysan Island doing work for the US FWS. The Laysan Duck is considered the rarest duck in the world. Up till 2004, the only location that the Laysan duck was found was Laysan Island. In 2004, a breeding population was introducted to Midway (our firm assisted with the design and testing of the habitat at Midway. The total number of these ducks is less than 500. Here are a few links on Laysan and the ducks. In addition, Laysan is home to a certain finch (the Laysan Finch) that is only found on the island.
I told John Klavitter (the FWS bio) that I would do most of my work for free, if I could have a carcass for mounting, he said that was not possible.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laysan_Duck
http://audubon2.org/webapp/watchlist...ies.jsp?id=119
http://www.hawaiianatolls.org/about/laysan.php
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/ar...605300346.html
In 2002, I spend 32 days traveling up the Hawaian Island chain on an ocean going tug, spending time at various islands including Tern, Laysan, Pearl and Hermes and Midway. We spent 9 days on Laysan, entering the island via zodiaks though the surf. Here are some photos from the Island.
Here is the boat we took
Here we are unloading the gear, note the tug in the background.
The welcome sign
Some Black footed Albatros's
This is the Asian short eared owl that we found on island. First recorded sighting of an owl on the island. It was in bad shape when we found it and died.
The FWS Urts. We spent our time in bivies on the beach.
Where your boat trash ends up. This is a small sample of what it looks like on the windy side.
I have 100's of photos from the trip. I also have 1,000's from Midway (been there 6 times so far). If you want more let me know.
Name that duck - now ID'd with story
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