BIRD 2
There are no points for guessing this is a duck. And none for saying a diving duck (as diving birds is this month’s theme). The large-headed, relatively big-billed appearance and brown plumage should point you to the Aythya ducks (the genus that includes Tufted Duck, Pochard, and Scaup etc). The head shape is wrong for Pochard (which has a more ‘pointed head’ sloping down to the bill) and is smoothly rounded, lacking even a hint of the ‘tuft’ of a Tufty. Also, the bill is notably large, and there is very little black at the tip at all (there is more on a Tufted Duck’s bill). The broad pale patch behind the bill and less distinct cheek patch are also pro-Scaup features; as are the grey (or at least vermiculated) feather patches on the flanks and back. This is a juvenile/first-winter Scaup.
Key features
■ Rounded crown lacking tuft
■ Pale patches on cheek and behind bill
■ Bill with very limited black tip
■ Grey feathering emerging on back and flanks