Aythya affinis
Lesser Scaups are medium sized diving ducks. The males have finely barred, gray backs and white underparts. Their heads, necks, and breasts are black with a purple iridescence. They have blue gray bills, yellow eyes and black wings with large white patches. Female Lesser Scaups are brown overall with white bellies, white wing patches and white patches near the base of their bills. Females have brownish eyes.
Seven days ago I found a Ring-necked Duck and an odd Lesser Scaup drake at my local pond. The scaup puzzled me and I wondered if he might be a hybrid.
On my last trip up to Bear River MBR I had a brief opportunity to photograph a Lesser Scaup hen next to the auto tour loop as she flapped her wings.
Every fall and winter when Lesser and Greater Scaups are seen in northern Utah I hear questions about scaup identification.
February 2nd is World Wetlands Day to raise global awareness about the critical role of wetlands for people, wildlife and our planet.
The drake Lesser Scaup did come in close enough to be able to take a few images of it where it almost filled the frame before a man and his dog walked by and caused the scaup to make a hasty retreat to the middle of the pond.
We catch up and share stories of birds we saw in the warmer months and reveal the journeys we have been on.