ML279283571

Age and sex

Unknown age, Female - 1

Observation details

Female type (juvenile, I think) found earlier this afternoon by Nick Ramsey. Feeding actively at the far northern end of Capitol Lake. I first saw it at a distance from Arsenal Park when I first drove up, but then drove over to the northwest corner of the lake and got a better look from there. A large dark blackish duck, a bit larger than nearby scaup and Hooded Mergansers. Sitting lower in the water than either of those species. Entirely dark blackish other than a few prominent patches of white; two on the side of the head and on on the wing speculum. The two patches on the side of the head were circular, the one in front of the eye somewhat better defined than the one behind the eye. The white wing speculum was visible while the bird was at rest, but most obvious as it dove. At one point the bird rolled over on its side and revealed a slightly paler lower belly. Photos.

Technical information

Model

COOLPIX P900

ISO

1600

Focal length

357 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/6.5

Shutter speed

1/30 sec

Dimensions

3022 pixels x 2401 pixels

Original file size

2.49 MB