Yesterday I saw a bird I have never seen before. I live at Lake Tahoe on the west shore (Calif side), above 6000ft elev. My backyard is conifer forest with a clearing containing native and lawn type grasses. At first I thought it was a female mallard, all speckled tan color. Similar size and shape. We do have mallards here on the lake. The breast had a dark brown or black patch. The beak was not a duck shape, looked more pointed at the tip, although it was similar in size to a duck's beak. Also, the feet were not duck type. This was midday in the sun, temp in mid 70s. It was poking around the ground/grass next to a solar panel. Appeared to be looking for bugs, like the robins and small birds do around here. Please does anyone have any idea what it was? I'm most curious. Thanks!!!
