White-winged Scoter (Melanitta fusca), Willow Lake, Yavapai County

These two White-winged Scoters were discovered and photographed by Michael Nicosia on 16 December 2011 and were photographed again on 24 December 2011.

Rare winter visitor, it has returned to being annual in the state after nearly a decade of very few records.

Large dark duck with white secondaries . Also the sloping forehead with feathering onto the bill and white oval patch on these feathers.

24 December 2011, photo by Michael Nicosia

16 December 2011, photo by Michael Nicosia