If you're a birder, you'll know what a life list is. It's basically a list of all the bird species one has observed and positively ID'd in one's lifetime. This blog is a record of my "critter" life list (mostly of birds), including photos I've taken over the years, some of the actual lifer if I was lucky enough to get the shot. Don't expect National Geographic quality stuff here, just the work of an amateur photog who loves to trudge out into nature.

Friday, November 6, 2015

Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)

3/16/02 Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach, Orange County, CA

LIFE LIST NOTES:

COMMON NAME: Greater Scaup

SPECIES: Aythya marila

FAMILY: Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans)

LIFE LIST DATE: 3/16/2002 

LOCATION: Several pairs observed off of Salt Marsh Interpretive Trail at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach, Orange County, CA

From Kaufman Focus Guide-Birds of North America & Stokes Field Guide to Birds-Western Region:

BEHAVIOR/HABITAT: Big flocks or 'rafts' of scaup gather in winter on open waters. This species is mainly along coast, less common inland. Nests at lakes in far north.

IDENTIFYING MARKS: 18"; very much like Lesser Scaup, but different head shape (more rounded, with highest point toward front of head), larger bill. Male often shows green (not purple) gloss on head, and sides may look whiter on Lesser Scaup. Females of both scaup may show pale ear patch in summer. 

VOICE: Male gives a soft wa-hooo note and a triple-note whistle. Female gives a growling brrr call. 
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