Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), Gila Bend Power Plant, Maricopa County

This Surf Scoter was discovered by Bill Grossi on 10 May 2008 at the Gila Bend Power Plant pond.  It was photographed by Charlie Babbitt on 25 May 2008. 

This photo of a very distant bird was enlarged and enhanced to show details.  Enough detail on the bill and the white patch on the back of the head are visible and suffice to to identify this as a male Surf Scoter.

Surf Scoter is a rare transient and winter visitor.  This is a very late date for this species, although there are a couple of previous summer records.

Surf Scoter is an ABC Sketch Details Species.  Submitting photos to AZFO does not constitute reporting a rare bird for consideration as an official record. To ensure that a record becomes official, details or photos of Sketch Details Species should be sent to the Editors of North American Birds and a full report of Review Species should be submitted to the Arizona Bird Committee. Most rare birds are under _documented and subsequent observers of a rarity are always encouraged to submit reports and additional photos, especially for birds that are challenging to identify.

25 May 2008, photo by Charlie Babbitt