The Greater Scaup (Aythya marila) - or just plain old Scaup - is a winter visitor to the loughs, lochs and shallow inshore waters of the UK. I took these pictures in February of this year.
Scaup begin arriving in the UK during October from their breeding grounds in Iceland, Scandinavia and western Russia. Around 3,000 Scaup winter in the UK with the largest gatherings found in Northern Ireland and Scotland. These birds were feeding around the hides at WWT Reserve at Welney.
The males of this species have black breast, medium grey back, white sides, and a bright yellow eye. The feathers on the can show a greenish sheen, but generally looks black.
As you can see from some of these pictures, these are diving ducks rather the dabbling ducks that 'up-end' to feed.
As ever, to join in with WBW click on the link below. SM
Beautiful birds! Stewart. Something fascinating about diving ducks. Aloha!
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy watching diving ducks.
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart :)
ReplyDeleteLovely selection of Greater Scaup photos. It's a very attractive duck.
Striking duck Stewart... I think it's the gold of his eye in the black of his feathers.. Handsome ! I have no birdies to share this week....
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWonderful ducks - wonderfuller pictures! YAM xx
an interesting duck....
ReplyDeleteunfortunately, I never seen this critter in the nature
They winter in huge numbers on Lake Ontario.
ReplyDeleteWinter numbers in the UK have fallen by about 50% over recent years. SM
DeleteLove those action shots. They are beautiful ducks!
ReplyDeleteTa kaczka w Polsce jest bardzo rzadka. Gratuluję spotkania i ciekawych zdjęć!
ReplyDeleteYes I have seen this duck in N.I however never in great numbers Stewart. Thanks for hosting and commenting. Have a great week
ReplyDeleteThat bright eye really stands out. Great pictures!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of beautiful birds!
ReplyDelete