Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), Bill Williams Delta, La Paz County

These Surf Scoters were discovered by David Vander Pluym and Lauren Harter and photographed by David Vander Pluym on 22 November 2010.  These 4 birds were part of 6 seen on Nov 21 2010.

Surf Scoter is the most likely of the three scoters in Arizona. It is a rare but regular 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.

22 November 2010, photo by David Vander Pluym