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

This Surf Scoter was dscovered by Peter Yingling and Linda Britt 02 November 2011 and photographed later the same day by Michael Nicosia.

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.

02 November 2011, photo by Michael Nicosia

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