Photo Study: Surf Scoter (juvenile)

This afternoon, Mark Mizak and I took a quick trip out to Bald Eagle State Park to search for the Red-necked Grebe that we had found yesterday. The grebe appears to have left, however we were very excited to see a Surf Scoter swimming around by the sunken road. The scoter was very tame and approachable which allowed for some great photo opportunities. At times, I was able to get within 10 or 20 feet of the bird. Based on the brown coloration, lack of multicolored bill, and lack of white on the back of the head, this bird is a juvenile/first winter individual.

Surf Scoter - juvenile (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Surf Scoter - juvenile (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Surf Scoter - juvenile (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Surf Scoter - juvenile (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Surf Scoter - juvenile (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Surf Scoter - juvenile (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)