Hey there folks,
Hope all is good with everyone.
Was over at Cliffe Pools yesterday trying to spy the Spoonbill (which we did ) but also spotted a few dabblers way off on one of the pools. Getting home and having taken a look at the images I'm wondering whether they were Greater Scaup (five in all) or possibly just a female Scaup mixing with a couple of Tufted Ducks?
I've scoured quite a few images and consulted the Collins and Wild Guides books and am struggling to pin it all down - for example, the female looks to have a clear white front to her face and the male in one of the shots just doesn't seem to have the right amount of black on the bill tip. Additionally, I think (or maybe I'm just trying to convince myself!) they just look bulkier and with more rounded, bulbous heads!
I've popped a few pics on here so maybe one of you fine individuals could take a look and see what you think - would be very grateful as have never yet seen a Scaup and would be one for the life list - Apologies for the low quality snaps, they were handheld with a full on 600mm telephoto from quite a few hundred yards.
Thanks for your help, folks,
Mark
Here’s a bit of a guide that might help, bear in mind they’re in eclipse plumage. birdingornithology.wordpress.com/.../
Many times I've been fooled by Tutfy v Scaup
Mark, if you have no luck on here then try birdforum.net as those guys are pretty good too.
And sometimes you just have to accept that a bird may not be what you want it to be - no matter how frustrating that may be.
Good luck - wish I could have helped more.