Black Scoter in Beautiful Breeding Plumage

JeremyAdd comment

Behind the Milwaukee Art Museum a few weeks ago, there were 1500+ ducks! There was an excellent variety of them as well, with the water still being open. There were 11 duck species including a very cool hybrid, Common Goldeneye x Hooded Merganser. One of the species was a beautiful male Black Scoter in full breeding plumage. I had never seen one like that before, only in basic plumage. When I saw him, he was closer to the north side of Veteran’s Park. He was hanging with a smaller group of ducks diving and feeding. At one point, he was even calling and appeared to be courting a female Greater Scaup. He must have had a long Friday night! The other duck species present were, Mallard, Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Greater & Lesser Scaup, White-winged Scoter, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser and Red-breasted Merganser. The photos below are from Saturday 1/27. Enjoy!

Common Goldeneye x Hooded Merganser

Canvasback

Ring-necked Duck

White-winged Scoter

Common Goldeneye

Red-breasted Merganser

Surf Scoter at Horicon Marsh 4/11/20

JeremyAdd comment

I saw the report of a Surf Scoter seen along Ledge Rd, on Friday afternoon. I thought I’d give it a try Saturday morning, since it was seen so close. I see them every year along Lake Michigan, but rarely do I get good close looks at them. When I arrived, he was swimming extremely close to the road, providing excellent views. Such a beautiful bird! I watched him swim around for about an hour or so. He was very tame and hung around the same general area the whole time I was there. Images below are from the morning. Enjoy!

White-winged Scoter, Port Washington 1/27/2019

Jeremy1 Comment

There was a very beautiful male, White-winged Scoter at Coal Dock Park on Sunday 1/27/19, in Port Washington. Usually I only get to see and photograph first year or females scoters, so it was really nice to see this one! Beautiful colors, a bright sunny day, and very cold temperatures, made for some nice photos. He hung out very close in the harbor, providing some real nice views. He seemed to be a very tame bird, considering they are deep diving ducks, usually found further out in the lake. enjoy the photos from the day.