26. Lesser Scaup

Going to the Richardson Bay Audubon Center was a great idea. We stopped on the way back from Tiburon. Harper can't be on her feet very long, so we were very time limited. Nonetheless, I was able to positively identify four new birds (plus I saw some repeats) within about 20 minutes.

Of those, I was happiest to see the Lesser Scaup. Not only does it make a nice match with my Greater Scaup, but it also makes me realize how much better my skills have gotten in a short period of time.

There is very little variation between the two species, you really have to look at them hard. The determining factor is head shape. I knew what I was looking for in this case, and I was able to clearly distinguish the Lesser Scaup. Bang. 26.