Posted by Bill Maile on March 30, 2013 at 12:11 PM
Hello all, I shot this this morning in Northeastern PA. The ducks were hundreds of yards away, but I don't recall seeing these big, dark ones here in Northeastern PA before. Many were on hand.
My two guesses narrowed down to American Black Duck or Black Scoter?? I notice the blue band in the one bird's wing feathers though.
Please help, apologize for the IQ. Thanks!
Posted by Richard Ditch on March 30, 2013 at 12:34 PM
American Black Duck - a very common eastern species.
Scoters are birds of the coastal waters and I've never seen a scoter of any species standing out on a mudflat. Even here in AZ where an occasional vagrant shows up along the Colorado River or a large inland lake.
Posted by Luke Ormand on March 30, 2013 at 12:48 PM
Agreed - black duck
Posted by Bill Maile on March 30, 2013 at 12:57 PM
Thanks guys!!! I have seen them elsewhere, not really knowing the ID for sure--but not here at home.
Discussion
3 repliesMy two guesses narrowed down to American Black Duck or Black Scoter?? I notice the blue band in the one bird's wing feathers though.
Please help, apologize for the IQ. Thanks!
Scoters are birds of the coastal waters and I've never seen a scoter of any species standing out on a mudflat. Even here in AZ where an occasional vagrant shows up along the Colorado River or a large inland lake.