Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), Lynx Lake, Yavapai County

This small flock of Surf Scoter's was found by Sue Drown and was photographed by Michael Nicosia on 31 October 2010.

Surf Scoter is the most likely of the three scoters in Arizona. It is a casual transient and most likely in late fall or early winter.

Dark brown, heavy set duck indicates female or immature scoter.  White spots on side of head combined with pattern of feathering on the bill indicate Surf Scoter. 

31 October 2010, photo by Michael Nicosia

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