ML627958016

Observation details

Photo. Female / Imm black scoter dropped onto the lake at 12 noon. Good views from 20 yards. Overall mallard sized brown sea duck. Black bill with some very small yellow / orangish patches mid bill from the upper half and back to the base of the bill, possibly indicating Imm Male but still leaning towards Female. Black grin patch. Dark eye. Head capped with dark chocolate brown extending down to eye level and down the back of the head and nape. Large creamy cheek patch extending from base of bill to the nape area indicating Female. Vertically from just below eye level to lower neck to the body. Appeared to also extend under the bill / chin area. Rest of bird dark chocolate brown with some light mottling. Diving for vegetation in the relatively shallow water right by the bridge on the SE corner of Lake Crabtree.