11 replies to this topic

[a.wren]

At Edith G. Read Sanctuary in Rye NY today:

A song sparrow?


Greater Scaup? Or have I been hoodwinked by domestic ducks again?


Just gotta say thanks in advance. You guys rock!

[blackburnian]

Swamp Sparrow and Greater Scaup

[Emu]

Agreed.

[TheBillyPilgrim]

Seconded.

[MWM]

Just a question, how are you distinguishing between a Greater & Lesser Scaup?

[blackburnian]

the more rounded head

[GreatHorn]

Here's a good comparison that I made stole from the internet.

[blackburnian]

thats good G

[MWM]

Thanks, I always knew the green vs. purple color and the rounded vs. "crested" features, but they can be hard to see or misleading sometimes.

[BigOly]

That is VERY helpful Greathorn, muchos gracias.

[BarnSwallow]

It's very, very easy to tell them apart......when you have perfectly clear, close-up pics, and a detailed chart like above!! However, in the field, at a distance, in less-than-perfect conditions.....not so easy!

[a.wren]

Very helpful ID tips for the scaups. I used the head shape and neck size--rounder and larger--for field marks.

Thanks, everyone!