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Post by Dave on Apr 3, 2007 19:34:58 GMT -8
I see quite a few Lesser Scaup in this picture. How about the guy on the left in the front (4th duck from the left). Anyone want to volunteer their thoughts? Is it Lesser or Greater? Can you help me with some good field marks to go by? Thanks, Dave  |
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Post by Gord on Apr 4, 2007 21:10:24 GMT -8
Hey Dave, those scaups can be a challenge, especially at a distance.
Generally head shape is good to go on keeping in mind that an active scaup's headshape differs from a relaxed one. Greater doesnt have the peak over the eye but a gentle one more at the back of the head.
The bill can be good too, but a closer look is necessary. A greater scaup's bill is wider and the black 'nail' at the tip also bigger. I have good pictures of lesser scaups but none of greater. One day at Stanley Park there was this hen greater scaup that was 5 feet away tops. No camera. Grr.
As to plumage I dont think there's any totally reliable way to tell them apart though male greater in breeding plumage seem to be whiter.
Hope someone else might have more experience to share. I think all those scaups are of the lesser variety myself.
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