ML644227262

Observation details

On a whim I decided to stop at the main basin of the reservoir given there have been numerous reports of scoters of all 3 types around the Hudson Valley and beyond over the past few days. Admittedly after seeing a flock of dark ducks without optics at first I was already telling myself if they’re anything but Surf Scoters I’m throwing my scope in the reservoir. Thankfully I didn’t have to do that as there were 5 males with their clowny faces and white on their heads and 2 females in the main basin. Very rare species for Putnam County with only one other record from EXACTLY 4 years ago along the river by Charlie & Kyle thus making this the second record of this species.Also funny Kyle got his Dutchess Surf Scoters today too.