Peter Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 Photo taken today, Feb. 17, Skidaway Island, Chatham County, GA. This lone individual has appeared for three years in a freshwater lagoon in the company of 25-30 Hooded mergansers here on the Island. A friend says it's a Lesser scaup. Second opinions appreciated. Thanks 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanager 101 Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 Great photo!! Looks good for Lesser Scaup. Notice the peak on the back of the head. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IKLland Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 1 hour ago, Tanager 101 said: Great photo!! Looks good for Lesser Scaup. Notice the peak on the back of the head. Agreed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liam Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 I agree. On Skidaway you might have better luck with Greater at the Wilmington River, as they seem to prefer saltwater, or at least more open water. That said, there has been at least one individual (maybe returning?) at Lake Meyer Park near the Walmart/Sam's Club in Savannah every winter for about 8 years. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avery Posted February 18 Share Posted February 18 4 hours ago, Liam said: I agree. On Skidaway you might have better luck with Greater at the Wilmington River, as they seem to prefer saltwater, or at least more open water. That said, there has been at least one individual (maybe returning?) at Lake Meyer Park near the Walmart/Sam's Club in Savannah every winter for about 8 years. Greaters like bigger bodies of water, Lessers like smaller. Easy to remember! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Spencer Posted February 18 Share Posted February 18 Just remember those are preferences, and not enough to make the call. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinHood Posted February 18 Share Posted February 18 12 minutes ago, Charlie Spencer said: Just remember those are preferences, and not enough to make the call. Definitely, this is a local hot spot (wastewater ponds, so very small water area), not a big difference. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liam Posted February 18 Share Posted February 18 Yeah, it's certainly not the rule and the preferences appear to vary by region. In Georgia, they are most common on the coast at or near the ocean, but are may be seen more frequently in smaller freshwater ponds because those park ponds get more birding exposure and the birds are closer. It's difficult to ID Aythya from a distance. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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