Uncommon blue colored bird on Michigan's AuSable River

by Jacquelyn Unis
(Canton, Michigan)

We were canoeing down the AuSable River and several times witness the beautiful sight of a large mostly blue bird, the shade was not as bright or shiny as a indigo bunting, but much brighter than that of a blue jay. It seemed to have large wings that flew very swiftly and somewhat low, maybe ten feet above our heads and it stayed close to the woodline along the river. Head was rounded similar to a duck and black, beak black (like a duck), white ring (collar) around it's neck. We think the underside (belly) was white or light grey. Not sure if all the details are correct, but it flew so fast...and we didn't have a camera...it may be a species of duck, but I haven't been able to locate it on the internet or anywhere else. Thanks for all your help...I'm excited to hear back from you...