Duck ID

[phil baber]

Having studied the photo again, i am swayed.
Juv Scaup for me also.

[simon624]

Originally Posted by clydebirder

Hii Simon

I'm still not certain about this one, did you notice any size difference between this bird and the Tufted Ducks? If it is a Scaup it should have appeared noticably larger and broader bodied than the Tufties, it certainly has Scaup features but some juvenile Tufties & of course the dreaded hybrids can show similar features.

In the Cormorant photo it looks larger than the Tufty and the head shape is markedly different which does suggest Scaup.

Juvenile Scaup often turn up inland at this time of year so that in itself wouldnt be overly unusual for them.

cheers, John

Hi John,

sorry, I don't remember anything significant about it's size. I might try to go back to get some more shots .....if it's still around.

Simon.

[clydebirder]

Originally Posted by simon624

Hi John,

sorry, I don't remember anything significant about it's size. I might try to go back to get some more shots .....if it's still around.

Simon.

No prob Simon, from what I can see I'm pretty certain it's a Scaup, another juv turned up at a reservoir in London today (maybe even same bird moved site?)

cheers, John

[simon624]

OK, I've been back and taken some more photos and put them in an album:

Birding UK and Ireland Forum - simon624's Album: Duck

I only think that this is probably the same bird. If it is then it seems to have picked up an injury to the top of it's beak during the week. As you can see from the comparison shots it does appear to be about the same size as the Tufted Ducks.

Simon.

[clydebirder]

Hi Simon

the new shot's would seem to rule out Scaup. From the view of the bill pattern on the image taken from above it's obvious the black covers more than just the nail. This leaves either a Tufted Duck or possibly a hybrid which would seem more likely when considering the other features viewable on the images, Aythya hyrids are notorious and cause all sorts of problems for birders

cheers, John

[simon624]

Thanks John.