Hi all
We seem to have an annual 'Scaup season' at Marston, I have yet to see any birds that have come anywhere near making the grade either in the field or from photos. Scaup would be an outrageous rarity for a site that struggles to get any diving ducks at all, 5 together would be phenomenal.... Rather than Scaup or hybrids they are probably young Tufties which can appear a bit Scaupish when not fully grown, we usually get one or two pairs breeding there.
cheers
Alex
Ps. I'll be willing to be proved wrong with photographic documentation and will twitch back from Orkney if they are Scaup (well, maybe...)
Bob Wacey wrote:
No its was not a moulting female, these where fresh looking young birds.
Bills looked right, slight pale patch on cheak, head shape looked right except for the one with the indication of a tuft.
I would suggest that they are hybreds!
Regards
Bob
_________________
Dr Alexander C. Lees
Lecturer in tropical ecologyManchester Metropolitan University
Lab Associate
Cornell Lab of Ornithology,
Cornell University
http://www.freewebs.com/alexlees/index.htm@Alexander_Lees