Lesser Scaup hen flapping her wings – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
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. I don’t seem to get as many female Lesser Scaup in my viewfinder as I do males so I took full advantage of the opportunity. The hen scaup had been floating on the open water next to a drake. When she moved away from him I could tell by her behavior that she was going to flap her wings so I was ready when she did.
Although I wish there hadn’t been other birds in the background I do like that I can make out the coot and a goldeneye behind the female scaup on a shelf of ice.
Lesser Scaup drake at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Lesser Scaup drake was just outside of the right side of the frame when I took the photo of the hen. He was just calmly floating on the water.
Both the hen and drake Lesser Scaup were in their breeding or is it is also known Alternate plumage. They may or may not have been a mated pair. Lesser Scaup pair up later than many other duck species. Some range maps indicate that Lesser Scaup breed in extreme northern areas of Utah. I have seen and photographed these scaups on their breeding grounds in Montana.
I was delighted to photograph both the hen and drake Lesser Scaups at the refuge three days ago. The scaups along with the other birds I saw and photographed were part of a wonderful and relaxing morning at the refuge.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Lesser Scaup photos plus facts and information about this species.
Really cool shots. Lots of subtle colors; especially in the first pic. Thanks Mia.
Beautiful images, I had to search you out through my email again. You are off my algorithm!
I spy with my little eye…some lobed toes! 😉 I’m glad the hen had an audience for that beautiful wing flap.
So nice to see these old friends! I love that the Coot shows up as a reflection on the water! Didn’t catch that initially. Thanks for keeping tabs out there!