ML644626622

Observation details

Examined for some time, first at a good distance and then from beach at ~200 yards with scope. Male and female associating with Ring-necked Ducks. They appeared consistently similar in size or slightly larger than RNDU. Heads were not as smoothly rounded as some GRSC I’ve seen on Lake Michigan, but appeared to be highest in the forecrown with a small notch sometimes visible on the rear portion of the head. Both were preening frequently, but I didn’t observe any diving that might have slicked back crown feathers. Bill nail seemed small, and head coloration purplish, which I understand to be somewhat unreliable field marks, but may point toward LESC instead. Male opened wings a couple of times but I wasn’t able to get a good look at wing stripe. Doc pics attached. Per reviewer Aaron Holschbach: The head does not seemed to be as peaked as typically seen with Lesser Scaups, but it also is not as rounded as Greater. Also, as you mentioned the black nail on the bill and coloration on the head match better with Lesser.