Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), Glendale Recharge Ponds, Maricopa County

This Surf Scoter was discovered by Kurt and Cindy Radamaker on 29 October 2011 at the Glendale Recharge Ponds and photographed by Jeff Ritz on 31 October 2011.

Of the three scoter species, the Surf Scoter is the most regularly observed in Arizona. It is still considered a rare but regular late fall migrant with passage peaking in November.  

Dark brown, heavy set duck with two large white patches on side of head indicating female or immature scoter. Large sloping head with large triangular shaped dark bill. Larger White-winged Scoter has longer and narrower bill.

31 October 2011, photo by Jeff Ritz

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